Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: ARLINGTON (formerly GLENCADAM and F.P. JONES)
- Type: Steel-Built Bulk Freighter
- Year Built: 1913
- Builder: Detroit Shipbuilding Co., supervised by Thomas Quayle
- Dimensions: Length: 244 ft (74.4 m); Beam: 43 ft (13.1 m); Depth of hold: 21 ft (6.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 1,870 tons; Net: 1,118 tons
- Location: Lake Superior
- Coordinates: Not available
- Original Owners: George Hall Coal Co., U.S. Government, Glen Line Ltd, Mathews Steamship Co., Misener Steamship Co., Burke Towing & Salvage Co.
- Number of Masts: One
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The ARLINGTON was a steel bulk freighter built for carrying large volumes of cargo, such as grain or coal, across the Great Lakes. Originally designed as a robust and efficient vessel, it featured a triple-expansion steam engine and Scotch boilers, typical of freighters built during the early 20th century. Its steel construction offered enhanced durability compared to earlier wooden vessels, making it well-suited for the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.
Description
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Vessel Name: ARLINGTON (formerly GLENCADAM and F.P. JONES)
- Type: Steel-Built Bulk Freighter
- Builder: Detroit Shipbuilding Co., supervised by Thomas Quayle
- Year Built: 1913
- Location Built: Wyandotte, Michigan, USA
- Material: Steel
- Final Location: Lake Superior
- Year of Loss: May 1, 1940
- Coordinates: Not available
- Depth: Not specified
History
HISTORY
The ARLINGTON began its service in 1913, launched as the GLENCADAM by the George Hall Coal Co. Throughout its life, the vessel underwent multiple ownership changes and served various purposes:
- 1913–1918: Operated under George Hall Coal Co., primarily in the coal and grain trade.
- 1918–1919: Transferred to the U.S. Government during World War I.
- 1920–1925: Acquired by Glen Line Ltd and renamed F.P. JONES.
- 1925–1933: Purchased by Mathews Steamship Co. and renamed ARLINGTON.
- 1933–1936: Became part of the Misener Steamship Co. fleet.
- 1936–1940: Acquired by Burke Towing & Salvage Co.
The freighter faced several challenges during its career, including frequent repairs and modifications. Despite these, it remained a reliable vessel until its final voyage.
Significant Incidents
FINAL DISPOSITION
On May 1, 1940, the ARLINGTON departed carrying 98,000 bushels of wheat. During its voyage on Lake Superior, the vessel encountered a powerful storm. Heavy seas caused significant water ingress, leading to instability. Despite efforts by the crew to secure the hatches and stabilize the ship, the ARLINGTON began to sink rapidly.
Captain Burke remained on the bridge, attempting to manage the vessel as the lifeboats were launched. Tragically, he went down with the ship.
The surviving crew escaped in a lifeboat and were rescued by the nearby SS COLLINGWOOD.
Final Disposition
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
• No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are associated with the ARLINGTON wreck. The exact location remains unknown, adding an air of mystery to the ship’s final resting place.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The ARLINGTON’s wreck has not been located or explored. Its exact resting place remains undetermined, likely in deep waters of Lake Superior.
Current Condition & Accessibility
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
Given its steel construction and the cold, oxygen-poor waters of Lake Superior, parts of the ARLINGTON are likely well-preserved. However, the probable depth of the wreck, combined with the lack of specific coordinates, renders it largely inaccessible. Exploration would require advanced sonar technology and technical diving capabilities.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”arlington-glencadam-f-p-jones-c-138210″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
CONCLUSION
The ARLINGTON‘s loss in 1940 highlights the perils of Great Lakes shipping, especially during periods of severe weather. Despite the ship’s strong construction and experienced crew, the unpredictable nature of Lake Superior proved fatal. The vessel’s history, marked by resilience and adaptation, serves as a testament to the evolution of maritime trade and technology on the Great Lakes. While its exact resting place remains unknown, the ARLINGTON continues to be remembered as part of the region’s rich maritime heritage.
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.
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- Vessel Name: ARLINGTON (formerly GLENCADAM and F.P. JONES)
- Type: Steel-Built Bulk Freighter
- Builder: Detroit Shipbuilding Co., supervised by Thomas Quayle
- Year Built: 1913
- Location Built: Wyandotte, Michigan, USA
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions:
- Length: 244 feet (74.4 meters)
- Beam: 43 feet (13.1 meters)
- Depth: 21 feet (6.4 meters)
- Decks: One
- Tonnage:
- Gross: 1,870 tons
- Net: 1,118 tons
- Final Location: Lake Superior
- Year of Loss: May 1, 1940
- Coordinates: Not available
- Depth: Not specified
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The ARLINGTON was a steel bulk freighter built for carrying large volumes of cargo, such as grain or coal, across the Great Lakes. Originally designed as a robust and efficient vessel, it featured a triple-expansion steam engine and Scotch boilers, typical of freighters built during the early 20th century. Its steel construction offered enhanced durability compared to earlier wooden vessels, making it well-suited for the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.
HISTORY
The ARLINGTON began its service in 1913, launched as the GLENCADAM by the George Hall Coal Co. Throughout its life, the vessel underwent multiple ownership changes and served various purposes:
- 1913–1918: Operated under George Hall Coal Co., primarily in the coal and grain trade.
- 1918–1919: Transferred to the U.S. Government during World War I.
- 1920–1925: Acquired by Glen Line Ltd and renamed F.P. JONES.
- 1925–1933: Purchased by Mathews Steamship Co. and renamed ARLINGTON.
- 1933–1936: Became part of the Misener Steamship Co. fleet.
- 1936–1940: Acquired by Burke Towing & Salvage Co.
The freighter faced several challenges during its career, including frequent repairs and modifications. Despite these, it remained a reliable vessel until its final voyage.
FINAL DISPOSITION
On May 1, 1940, the ARLINGTON departed carrying 98,000 bushels of wheat. During its voyage on Lake Superior, the vessel encountered a powerful storm. Heavy seas caused significant water ingress, leading to instability. Despite efforts by the crew to secure the hatches and stabilize the ship, the ARLINGTON began to sink rapidly.
Captain Burke remained on the bridge, attempting to manage the vessel as the lifeboats were launched. Tragically, he went down with the ship.
The surviving crew escaped in a lifeboat and were rescued by the nearby SS COLLINGWOOD.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
•No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are associated with the ARLINGTON wreck. The exact location remains unknown, adding an air of mystery to the ship’s final resting place.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The ARLINGTON’s wreck has not been located or explored. Its exact resting place remains undetermined, likely in deep waters of Lake Superior.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
Given its steel construction and the cold, oxygen-poor waters of Lake Superior, parts of the ARLINGTON are likely well-preserved. However, the probable depth of the wreck, combined with the lack of specific coordinates, renders it largely inaccessible. Exploration would require advanced sonar technology and technical diving capabilities.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwrecks
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History Database
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Shipwrecks Database
- Bowling Green State University: Historical Ship Database
- Huronia Museum: Huronia Museum
CONCLUSION
The ARLINGTON‘s loss in 1940 highlights the perils of Great Lakes shipping, especially during periods of severe weather. Despite the ship’s strong construction and experienced crew, the unpredictable nature of Lake Superior proved fatal. The vessel’s history, marked by resilience and adaptation, serves as a testament to the evolution of maritime trade and technology on the Great Lakes. While its exact resting place remains unknown, the ARLINGTON continues to be remembered as part of the region’s rich maritime heritage.
KEYWORDS
- ARLINGTON
- GLENCADAM
- Lake Superior shipwreck
- Great Lakes freighter
- 20th-century maritime history
- Steel freighter wreck
- Burke Towing & Salvage
- SS COLLINGWOOD rescue
- Lake Superior storms
- Shipwreck explorations from this period.