Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Nucleus
- Type: Barquentine
- Year Built: 1848
- Builder: Probable New York or Great Lakes yard
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Unknown
- Depth at Wreck Site: 182.88 m / 600 ft
- Location: Approximately 40 miles NW of Vermilion Point
- Coordinates: Unknown
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Rig: Three-masted barquentine
Built: 1848 (probable New York or Great Lakes yard – iron-ore carrier)
Official No.: Unknown
Trade: Frequently transported iron ore from Marquette, MI
Description
The wreck of Nucleus lies submerged under 600 ft of cold freshwater in remarkably good condition. Discovered in summer 2021 using side-scan sonar and confirmed via ROV in 2022, the wreck features a largely intact stern section and preserved deck hardware, including loose iron-ore remnants, shovels, and dishes.
History
Nucleus earned its reputation as the “Bad Luck Barquentine,” having previously foundered twice and collided in 1854, sinking SS Detroit. It represents early iron-ore vessel design and mid-19th century maritime life and trade.
Significant Incidents
- Lost on September 14, 1869, due to a storm-induced leak while downbound from Marquette, Lake Superior, fully laden with iron ore.
- The crew abandoned ship in lifeboats; no loss of life was reported. They were rescued by the schooner Worthington.
Final Disposition
The wreck is now one of the oldest and best-preserved wrecks on Lake Superior’s Shipwreck Coast, validating the ability of Great Lakes’ cold, fresh waters to preserve wooden structures and iron fittings for over 150 years.
Current Condition & Accessibility
ROV surveys have revealed the wreck’s remarkably intact condition, providing opportunities for structural and materials analysis, cultural-economic context studies, and conservation monitoring.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”nucleus-1848″ title=”References & Links”]
As a significant archaeological site, Nucleus offers insights into the challenges of Great Lakes shipping and the historical context of iron-ore transport in the mid-19th century.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Barquentine Nucleus (built 1848 – lost September 14, 1869)
Identification & Vessel Details
- Rig: Three-masted barquentine
- Built: 1848 (probable New York or Great Lakes yard—iron-ore carrier)
- Official No.: Unknown
- Trade: Frequently transported iron ore from Marquette, MI
Final Voyage & Loss – September 14, 1869
- Downbound from Marquette, Lake Superior, fully laden with iron ore
- A sudden storm caused structural leaks; the hull took on water rapidly
- The crew abandoned ship in lifeboats; no loss of life. Their yawl was first spotted by SS Union, which steered away, but they were ultimately rescued by schooner Worthington (Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, CBS News)
Wreck & Discovery
- The wreck lies approximately 40 miles NW of Vermilion Point, submerged under 600 ft of cold freshwater, in remarkably good condition
- Discovered in summer 2021 using side-scan sonar; confirmed via ROV in 2022 by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society)
- ROV imaging revealed a largely intact stern section and preserved deck hardware—including loose iron-ore remnants, shovels, dishes—offering a tangible glimpse into life aboard (Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society)
Historical & Archaeological Significance
- Nucleus earned its reputation as the “Bad Luck Barquentine”, having previously foundered twice and colliding in 1854 to sink SS Detroit (Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society)
- Now one of the oldest and best-preserved wrecks on Lake Superior’s Shipwreck Coast
- Represents early iron-ore vessel design and mid-19th century maritime life and trade
- Its intact condition validates the ability of Great Lakes’ cold, fresh waters to preserve wooden structures and iron fittings for over 150 years
Next Steps for Study & Exploration
- Structural & Materials Analysis: ROV imagery presents an opportunity to assess mid-19th century construction techniques and cargo handling components
- Cultural-Economic Context: The vessel’s origin, operations, and repeated mishaps offer narrative insight into Great Lakes shipping hazards and labor conditions in iron-ore transport
- Virtual Reconstruction: Based on remote imaging, a 3D model could be created for museum/educational purposes
- Conservation Monitoring: Continuing periodic ROV surveys would track environmental impacts, invasive species effects, and long-term structural integrity
- Resource Coordination: GLSHS is open to sharing data for academic research—ideal for historians, archaeologists, or university programs seeking hands-on case studies
Summary Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Nucleus |
| Built | 1848 (barquentine) |
| Cargo | Iron ore |
| Lost | Sept 14, 1869 – storm-induced leak |
| Crew | Safely rescued |
| Discovery | 2021–2022, under 600 ft of water, off Vermilion Point |
| Condition | Remarkably intact; rare 19th-century barquentine remains |