Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: W. S. Nelson
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1855
- Builder: Lafrinier & Stevenson, Cleveland, Ohio
- Dimensions: Approximately 136 ft × 26 ft × 11 ft (41 m × 7.9 m × 3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 378 tons burden (~384 metric tonnes)
- Location: Near Presque Isle, Michigan
- Coordinates: Not recorded
- Official Number: None known
- Original Owners: Wm. Baldwin & Co.
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A two-masted wooden schooner designed for cargo transportation, particularly grain, across the Great Lakes.
Description
The *W. S. Nelson* was constructed in 1855 by Lafrinier & Stevenson in Cleveland, Ohio. It measured approximately 136 ft by 26 ft by 11 ft and was rated at 378 tons burden. The vessel was primarily used for transporting grain.
History
Owned by Wm. Baldwin & Co. out of Oswego, New York, the *W. S. Nelson* had a limited operational history documented beyond its registry and loss data. On **October 22, 1861**, a severe gale struck Lake Huron, causing the *W. S. Nelson* and eight other schooners to be driven ashore near Presque Isle, Michigan. The vessel grounded and subsequently broke up over several days, but all crew members survived the incident.
Significant Incidents
- On October 22, 1861, the *W. S. Nelson* was driven ashore by a severe gale, resulting in its grounding and eventual breakup.
Final Disposition
After being driven ashore, the *W. S. Nelson* was abandoned and deteriorated over the following days, leading to its declaration as a total loss. No salvage records are available.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No known discovery or site survey has been recorded for the *W. S. Nelson*, and it remains unlocated in official maritime wreck databases.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”w-s-nelson-1855″ title=”References & Links”]
The *W. S. Nelson* serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather events. Its story highlights the importance of maritime safety and the need for continued research into the region’s shipwrecks.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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