1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The ARLINGTON was a steel-built bulk freighter constructed in 1913 by the Detroit Shipbuilding Co. in Wyandotte, Michigan. Originally launched as the GLENCADAM, the vessel was designed for service on the Great Lakes, primarily engaged in the transportation of bulk cargo such as grain. The freighter measured 244 feet (74.4 meters) in length, with a beam of 43 feet (13.1 meters) and a depth of 21 feet (6.4 meters). It was powered by a triple expansion engine and equipped with two Scotch boilers, typical of freighters from this period.
3. HISTORY #
The ARLINGTON had a varied and eventful history, starting with its launch as the GLENCADAM in 1913. Initially owned by the George Hall Coal Co., the ship was transferred to the U.S. Government in 1918 during World War I and then returned to the George Hall Coal Co. in 1919. During this time, the vessel was renamed GLENCADAM. Ownership changed again in 1920 when it was acquired by Glen Line Ltd (Playfair) and registered with the official number C138219. In 1925, the ship was purchased by Mathews Steamship Co Ltd and renamed ARLINGTON.
The ARLINGTON continued to change hands, becoming part of the Misener Steamship Co fleet in 1933 and later being acquired by Burke Towing & Salvage Co in 1936. Throughout its service life, the freighter was engaged in the transport of various bulk cargoes across the Great Lakes.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
On May 1, 1940, the ARLINGTON embarked on what would become its final voyage on Lake Superior. The ship had been loaded with approximately 98,000 bushels of wheat and was deemed to be in good condition before the 1940 shipping season. However, the vessel encountered severe weather and heavy seas, leading to significant water ingress and listing. Despite the crew’s efforts to inspect and secure the hatches, the situation deteriorated rapidly.
As the ship began to sink, Captain Burke remained in the pilothouse, trying to stabilize the vessel while the lifeboats were launched. Tragically, the ARLINGTON suddenly sank, taking Captain Burke with it. The remaining crew members managed to escape in a lifeboat and were later rescued by the SS COLLINGWOOD, which had been sailing alongside the ARLINGTON.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the ARLINGTON. The exact location of the wreck is not provided, but it is known to be on the bottom of Lake Superior.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the ARLINGTON has not been specifically located or explored, and its exact resting place remains unknown.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Given that the ARLINGTON sank in 1940, the wreck is likely to be in deep water within Lake Superior. The vessel’s steel construction may have preserved parts of the hull, but the harsh conditions and cold water at such depths typically result in slow deterioration. Without precise location data, the wreck remains largely inaccessible to divers.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Website
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
- Great Lakes Ships: Website
- Bowling Green State University: Website
- Huronia Museum: Website
- Barrie Today: Website
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The ARLINGTON’s final voyage is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by freighters on the Great Lakes, particularly during periods of severe weather. Despite the vessel’s solid construction and regular maintenance, the unpredictable conditions of Lake Superior proved too much. The loss of Captain Burke, who stayed behind to try and save his ship, underscores the bravery and dedication of mariners during this era.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
Due to the lack of precise coordinates and the probable depth at which the ARLINGTON rests, diving to the wreck site is not recommended or feasible for most divers. The cold and deep waters of Lake Superior present significant challenges, and any exploration would require advanced technical diving capabilities and permissions.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 20th Century
- Steel Freighter
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
CONCLUSION #
The steel freighter ARLINGTON, formerly known as GLENCADAM and F.P. JONES, had a long and storied career on the Great Lakes before meeting its tragic end in 1940. The ship’s sinking in Lake Superior serves as a reminder of the perils faced by vessels navigating these inland seas, especially during times of severe weather. Although the wreck remains largely unexplored, the ARLINGTON’s story is a valuable part of Great Lakes maritime history.
