Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Firien
- Type: Gasoline Motor Vessel
- Year Built: 1918
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location:
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Firien was originally launched as a wooden-hulled steamer in 1918. In 1926, she was converted to a gasoline-powered motor vessel shortly before her final voyage.
Description
On May 16, 1926, during trials after her conversion, the Firien experienced a fire onboard, likely in the engine or fuel system area. The three-man crew was rescued by the tug Edna G., and fortunately, none of the crew members were lost. However, the vessel sank and was lost, with no evidence suggesting any salvage occurred afterward.
History
The incident reflects the growing pains of early gasoline engine integration in marine vessels, as fuel fires were a known hazard during this transitional technology era. The dramatic failure of the Firien underscores the risks inherent in retrofitting old hulls with new propulsion systems.
Significant Incidents
- On May 16, 1926, the Firien caught fire during sea trials.
- The tug Edna G. responded to the emergency and rescued the crew.
- No casualties were reported among the crew.
- The vessel sank and was lost, with no salvage reported.
Final Disposition
The Firien sank during her trials after the fire incident, and there is no record of salvage operations taking place afterward.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and its exact location has not been determined. Further research and exploration may be needed to locate the submerged hull.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”firien-1918″ title=”References & Links”]
Research gaps remain regarding the launch and registry records, conversion details, and the fire incident. Investigating these areas could provide more insight into the Firien and her tragic loss.
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.
It appears that Firien was a converted gasoline motor vessel—originally a steamer—undergoing sea trials when disaster struck:
Vessel & Conversion
- Original Build: Launched in 1918 as a wooden-hulled steamer.
- Conversion: Reconfigured to a gasoline-powered motor vessel in 1926—shortly before her final voyage.
Final Voyage & Loss (May 16, 1926)
- Incident: On trials after her conversion, Firien sprang a fire onboard—likely in the engine or fuel system area.
- Rescue: The three-man crew was rescued by the tug Edna G., which responded to the emergency.*
- Casualties: Fortunately, none of the three crew members were lost.
- Fate of Vessel: She sank and was lost—no evidence suggests any salvage occurred afterward.
Significance of Incident
- Reflects the growing pains of early gasoline engine integration in marine vessels—fuel fires were a known hazard during this transitional technology era.
- Firien‘s dramatic failure on trials underscores the risks inherent in retrofitting old hulls with new propulsion systems.
Research Gaps & Next Steps
| Research Focus | Suggested Approach |
|---|---|
| Launch & Registry Records | Locate initial build and registry info (builder, home port, tonnage) likely filed upon her 1918 steam launch. |
| Conversion Details | Track marine industry bulletins or shipyard documentation on the 1926 gasoline conversion. |
| Explosion/Fire Report | Investigate newspapers—especially tug and port press—for accounts of the fire and sinking during trials. |
| Tug Edna G. Logs | Tug company ledgers may record the fire response, crew rescue, and location of incident. |
| Wreck Location | If coordinates are cited in press or logs, consider remote sensing (side-scan sonar, magnetometer) to locate submerged hull. |