Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Alex. Nimick
  • Former Name: Alexander Nimick
  • Official Registration Number: 106702
  • Date Built & Launched: 1890
  • Builder: J. Davidson Shipyard, West Bay City, Michigan
  • Construction: Wooden-hulled propeller-driven bulk freight Steamer
  • Tonnage: 1,968 gross tons (approx. 1,785 metric tonnes)
  • Dimensions: Length 298 ft (90.8 m), Beam 40 ft (12.2 m), Depth 20 ft (6.1 m)
  • Date Lost: September 21, 1907
  • Location of Loss: Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) northwest of Vermilion Point, Lake Superior
  • Cargo at Time of Loss: Coal
  • Cause of Loss: Sprung a leak during a gale; beached and broke apart
  • Crew: 17 total; 6 fatalities
  • Final Disposition: Total Loss; wreckage remains near the mouth of the Two Hearted River
  • Owner at Time of Loss: Gilchrist Transportation Co., Cleveland, Ohio

Vessel Type

The Alex. Nimick was a wooden-hulled propeller-driven bulk freight Steamer, commonly referred to as a “laker.” These vessels were designed to transport bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, and grain across the Great Lakes. The Nimick was among the larger wooden steamers of her time, reflecting the transitional period in shipbuilding from wood to steel hulls.

Description

Constructed in 1890 by the J. Davidson Shipyard in West Bay City, Michigan, the Alex. Nimick measured 298 feet (90.8 metres) in length, with a beam of 40 feet (12.2 metres) and a depth of 20 feet (6.1 metres). With a Gross Tonnage of 1,968 (approx. 1,785 metric tonnes), she was built to serve the growing demand for bulk transportation on the Great Lakes. Her wooden Hull was characteristic of the era, though steel-hulled vessels were becoming increasingly common.(us-data.org, Wikipedia)

History

On September 20, 1907, the Alex. Nimick sought shelter behind Whitefish Point during a developing gale on Lake Superior. Believing the worst of the storm had passed, she departed the following day, heading west toward Duluth with a cargo of coal. However, the weather deteriorated rapidly, and the vessel encountered heavy seas and shifting winds. Approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Vermilion Point, the Nimick began taking on water and was intentionally beached near the mouth of the Two Hearted River in an attempt to prevent sinking. Despite these efforts, the vessel broke apart in the surf. Of the 17 crew members aboard, six perished, while the remaining crew managed to reach shore. (Wikipedia)

Final Disposition

The Alex. Nimick was declared a Total Loss following the incident. Her remains are located near the mouth of the Two Hearted River in Lake Superior, an area known for numerous shipwrecks due to its treacherous waters and lack of natural harbors. The wreck lies in shallow water, making it accessible to divers. (Wikipedia, Scuba Diving)

Located By & Date Found

The wreck of the Alex. Nimick has been identified and is situated in 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6.1 metres) of water near the mouth of the Two Hearted River in Lake Superior. (Scuba Diving)

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the Alex. Nimick. Mariners operating in the area near Vermilion Point should consult the latest nautical charts and local notices for any updates.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The loss of the Alex. Nimick in September 1907 highlights the perils faced by Great Lakes mariners during the early 20th century. Despite seeking shelter, the decision to venture out into Lake Superior during a gale proved fatal for six crew members. The wreck remains a poignant reminder of the region’s maritime history and serves as a site of interest for divers and historians alike.

Suggested Keywords & Categories

Keywords: Alex. Nimick, Alexander Nimick, Lake Superior shipwreck, 1907 gale, Two Hearted River, Vermilion Point, Great Lakes maritime history(Wikipedia)

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Superior, Great Lakes Maritime History, 20th-Century Vessels, Wooden Bulk Freighters

Glossary Terms:

  • Laker: A type of cargo ship designed for use on the Great Lakes, typically characterized by a long, narrow Hull to navigate the region’s locks and canals.
  • Vermilion Point: A location on the southern shore of Lake Superior, known for its treacherous waters and numerous shipwrecks.
  • Two Hearted River: A river in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that flows into Lake Superior, near which the Alex. Nimick was wrecked.(WPBN)
  • Whitefish Point: A promontory on Lake Superior’s southern shore, often used as a sheltering point by vessels during storms.
  • Gale: A strong wind, typically used to describe wind speeds between 34 and 40 knots (63 to 74 km/h or 39 to 46 mph).