Steel Diesel Screw Fuel Tanker Transiter (1935–1941)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Transiter
• Other Names: Later renamed Transtream (post-recovery)
• Official Number: C158633
• Vessel Type at Loss: Steel diesel screw fuel tanker
• Builder: Horton Steel Works, Fort Erie, Ontario
• Year Built & Launched: 1935
• Specifications:  Length: 170 ft (51.8 m)  Beam: 34 ft (10.4 m)  Depth: 13 ft (4 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 904 GT
• Date Lost: August 8, 1941  
• Location of Loss: Rouge River, between Fort St. and Wabash St. bridges, Detroit River
• Cause of Loss: Explosion and fire
• Loss of Life: 2 of 17 people onboard
• Cargo at Time of Loss: 15,000 barrels of high-test gasoline

Vessel Description & Service History

The Transiter was a modern steel fuel tanker built in 1935 by Horton Steel Works in Fort Erie, Ontario, designed to transport large quantities of petroleum products across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

Powered by a diesel engine with a screw propeller, making her efficient for inland water routes. Operated by Tankers Transit Terminals, Ltd., Montreal, specializing in the transport of volatile fuels such as gasoline.  Served primarily in the Great Lakes petroleum trade, supplying fuel to industrial centers during the pre-World War II era.  Master at the time of the incident: Captain Rudolph Tremblay.

Final Voyage & Explosion (August 8, 1941)

On August 8, 1941, Transiter had just left her dock in the Rouge River, fully loaded with 15,000 barrels of high-test gasoline, bound for Montreal.  Shortly after departure, she exploded violently, triggering a catastrophic fire.  The captain immediately ordered the vessel Abandoned, steering her towards the riverbank to minimize the spread of flames.  Crew members and two women passengers jumped overboard to escape the inferno.  Tragically, the captain’s wife was lost after the vessel drifted over her position in the water.  A second crew member also perished in the chaos. The fire created a spectacular nighttime blaze on the Detroit River, visible for miles. The fire Tug John Kendall fought tirelessly to control the inferno, preventing it from spreading to nearby docks and vessels.

Final Disposition & Salvage

Despite the devastation:  The vessel was later salvaged and Rebuilt at Port Dalhousie, Ontario.  Reconstruction included lengthening her to 243 ft (74 m) and significant structural repairs.  Renamed Transtream following the Rebuild.  Served for several more decades before being scrapped in 1981.

Located By & Date Found

Not applicable as the vessel was recovered and Rebuilt shortly after the incident.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The Rouge River, part of the Detroit River system, is a busy industrial waterway, often congested with tankers, freighters, and industrial vessels.  The Transiter’s explosion highlighted the extreme risks of transporting large volumes of volatile fuels, especially in urban, industrial settings.  Following the incident, fire safety measures for tankers were reviewed and improved across the Great Lakes region.

Resources & Links

• Historical Collections of the Great Lakes (HCGL): https://greatlakeships.org
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels

Conclusion

The Transiter’s catastrophic explosion on the Rouge River in 1941 serves as a grim reminder of the dangers inherent in fuel transportation. Despite the loss of two lives, the quick actions of Captain Tremblay and the crew prevented an even greater disaster. Remarkably, the vessel was recovered, Rebuilt, and returned to service as the Transtream, continuing her career until her scrapping in 1981.