Glenlyon (William H. Gratwick, Minnekahtha)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: William H. Gratwick (later renamed Minnekahtha and Glenlyon)
• Type: Steel-hulled Package Freighter
• Year Built: 1893
• Builder: F.W. Wheeler Works, West Bay City, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length: 328 ft (100 m); Beam: 42.5 ft (12.9 m); Depth of hold: 20.5 ft (6.2 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 2818.27 tons; Net Tonnage: 2202.9 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 18 m / 60 ft
• Location: Siskiwit Bay, Isle Royale
• Coordinates: Approx. 47°57.178’N, 88°44.824’W
• Original Owners: William H. Gratwick, U.S. Transportation Co. (as Minnekahtha, 1912), Great Lakes Transportation Co., Ltd. (as Glenlyon, 1914)
• Number of Masts: Three

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The William H. Gratwick was a package freighter designed to transport goods and bulk commodities such as grain and wheat. Its steel hull, multiple decks, and advanced engine system made it a robust and efficient vessel for the Great Lakes trade routes. The ship was equipped with cargo elevators during its service life, increasing its handling capabilities.

Description

The wreck of the Glenlyon lies in Siskiwit Bay, Isle Royale, at depths ranging from 15 to 60 feet (4.5 to 18 meters). The site is accessible to recreational divers, with well-preserved features including the bow and stern. The clear waters of Isle Royale provide excellent visibility, making it an attractive dive site.

History

Operational Service
1893–1912: Operated under its original name, William H. Gratwick, carrying goods across the Great Lakes.
1912: Renamed Minnekahtha under U.S. ownership, reflecting its charter and operational changes.
1914: Renamed Glenlyon after transitioning to Canadian ownership under Great Lakes Transportation Co., Ltd.

Significant Incidents

• November 1, 1924: Stranded on a reef in Siskiwit Bay, Isle Royale, while seeking shelter during a storm.
• Cargo: 92,000 bushels of wheat.
• Result: Grounded vessel broke apart due to successive storms.

Final Disposition

The wreck marked the end of the ship’s service, with debris remaining on the lakebed.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Status: The wreck is located at a depth of 15 to 60 feet, making it a prime site for divers. Key features, such as the bow and stern, are well-preserved and have been documented in 3D by the National Park Service – Submerged Resources Center (NPS-SRC) on Sketchfab. Visibility is typically clear, and the site is accessible to divers of varying experience levels.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”glenlyon-william-h-gratwick-minnekahtha” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The William H. Gratwick/Glenlyon is a prime example of the evolution of Great Lakes freighters in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its advanced design and storied history, including name changes, ownership transitions, and its final grounding, illustrate the dynamic and challenging nature of maritime commerce during this era. The wreck site contributes to Isle Royale’s rich underwater cultural heritage.