Glenorchy – Lake Huron Freighter Shipwreck (1924)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Glenorchy
• Type: Freighter
• Year Built: 1902
• Builder: West Bay City, Michigan
• Dimensions: 356 ft (108.5 m); Beam: 50 ft (15.2 m); Depth of hold: 28 ft (8.5 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 3,943 tons
• Location: Approximately 6 miles southeast of Harbor Beach, Michigan
• Coordinates: 43° 48.580′ N 082° 31.792′ W
• Official Number: U.S. Official Number 107778; Canadian Official Number 138213
• Original Owners: Canadian ownership post-1918
• Number of Masts: Not specified

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The A.E. Stewart was a steel-hulled bulk freighter built for transporting large cargoes, typical of early 20th-century Great Lakes freighters.

Description

The A.E. Stewart was constructed during the height of Great Lakes freighter operations, designed to meet the demand for moving bulk goods like grain, coal, and ore efficiently across the lakes. Built with a steel hull for durability, the vessel operated successfully under its original name until its transfer to Canadian ownership in 1918. Renamed Glenorchy, it carried out cargo transport under Canadian registration.

History

The A.E. Stewart was constructed during the height of Great Lakes freighter operations, designed to meet the demand for moving bulk goods like grain, coal, and ore efficiently across the lakes. Built with a steel hull for durability, the vessel operated successfully under its original name until its transfer to Canadian ownership in 1918. Renamed Glenorchy, it carried out cargo transport under Canadian registration.

Significant Incidents

• On October 29, 1924, while navigating Lake Huron, the Glenorchy collided with the steamship Leonard B. Miller, leading to its sinking.

Final Disposition

On October 29, 1924, while navigating Lake Huron, the Glenorchy collided with the steamship Leonard B. Miller. The impact led to its sinking approximately 6 miles southeast of Harbor Beach, Michigan. Despite the severity of the accident, there were no casualties among the crew.

Current Condition & Accessibility

No specific modern rediscovery details are documented for this wreck. However, its approximate location in Lake Huron remains a reference point for historical researchers and potential diving expeditions.

• The wreck is a potential underwater hazard for vessels navigating near Harbor Beach, Michigan.

• It is essential to consult updated maritime advisories for exact coordinates and obstructions in the area.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”glenorchy-c-138213-a-e-stewart-us-10778″ title=”References & Links”]

The Glenorchy serves as a historical testament to the era of large bulk freighters on the Great Lakes and highlights the hazards faced by vessels of this period. Its collision and subsequent sinking are part of Lake Huron’s rich maritime history. The wreck site, while not widely explored, holds significant potential for divers and historians interested in the industrial legacy of the Great Lakes shipping industry.