Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Glenstriven
- Type: Steel-hulled bulk freighter
- Year Built: 1889
- Builder: Union Dry Dock Company
- Dimensions: 275 ft (83.82 m); Beam: 42 ft (12.80 m); Depth of hold: 21 ft (6.40 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 2,152
- Location: Off Midland, Ontario, Canada
- Official Number: 138218
- Original Owners: Great Lakes Transportation Company
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Steel-hulled bulk freighter
Description
The Glenstriven was a steel-hulled bulk freighter constructed in 1889 by the Union Dry Dock Company in Buffalo, New York. Originally named America, the vessel measured 275 feet (83.82 metres) in length, with a beam of 42 feet (12.80 metres) and a depth of 21 feet (6.40 metres), registering a gross tonnage of 2,152. She was powered by a compound steam engine with cylinder dimensions of 28 inches and 50 inches by 48-inch stroke, though the manufacturer of the engine remains unspecified.
History
Initially operating under the U.S. flag as America, the vessel was acquired in 1919 by the Great Lakes Transportation Company, managed by Canadian businessman James Playfair of Midland, Ontario. Upon acquisition, she was renamed Glenstriven and registered in Canada. The Great Lakes Transportation Company was known for its fleet of vessels prefixed with “Glen,” reflecting Playfair’s Scottish heritage.
The Glenstriven primarily transported bulk cargo such as grain, coal, and iron ore across the Great Lakes. Her operations contributed significantly to the shipping industry in the region during the early 20th century.
Significant Incidents
On November 16, 1923, while navigating near Cove Island in Georgian Bay, the Glenstriven encountered dense fog and stranded on a reef. Efforts to refloat the vessel were successful; however, upon assessment, the damage was deemed too extensive to warrant repairs. Consequently, she was scuttled off the coast of Midland, Ontario, marking the end of her service.
Final Disposition
The Glenstriven was scuttled off the coast of Midland, Ontario, after sustaining damage that was too extensive to repair following her stranding on November 16, 1923.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Nil
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”glenstriven-c-138218-america” title=”References & Links”]
The Glenstriven’s operational history reflects the dynamic nature of Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her transition from American to Canadian ownership and subsequent renaming underscore the interconnected maritime activities between the two nations. The vessel’s unfortunate stranding and eventual scuttling highlight the navigational challenges faced by freighters operating in the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Glenstriven
- Former Name: America
- Official Number: 138218
- Date Built and Launched: 1889
- Measurements:
- Length: 275 feet (83.82 metres)
- Beam: 42 feet (12.80 metres)
- Depth: 21 feet (6.40 metres)
- Gross Tonnage: 2,152
- Date Lost: November 16, 1923
- Final Disposition: Scuttled off Midland, Ontario, Canada
Vessel Type
Steel-hulled bulk freighter
Description
The Glenstriven was a steel-hulled bulk freighter constructed in 1889 by the Union Dry Dock Company in Buffalo, New York. Originally named America, the vessel measured 275 feet (83.82 metres) in length, with a beam of 42 feet (12.80 metres) and a depth of 21 feet (6.40 metres), registering a gross tonnage of 2,152. She was powered by a compound steam engine with cylinder dimensions of 28 inches and 50 inches by 48-inch stroke, though the manufacturer of the engine remains unspecified.
History
Initially operating under the U.S. flag as America, the vessel was acquired in 1919 by the Great Lakes Transportation Company, managed by Canadian businessman James Playfair of Midland, Ontario. Upon acquisition, she was renamed Glenstriven and registered in Canada. The Great Lakes Transportation Company was known for its fleet of vessels prefixed with “Glen,” reflecting Playfair’s Scottish heritage.
The Glenstriven primarily transported bulk cargo such as grain, coal, and iron ore across the Great Lakes. Her operations contributed significantly to the shipping industry in the region during the early 20th century.
Final Disposition
On November 16, 1923, while navigating near Cove Island in Georgian Bay, the Glenstriven encountered dense fog and stranded on a reef. Efforts to refloat the vessel were successful; however, upon assessment, the damage was deemed too extensive to warrant repairs. Consequently, she was scuttled off the coast of Midland, Ontario, marking the end of her service.
Located By & Date Found
Nil
Notmars & Advisories
Nil
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The Glenstriven’s operational history reflects the dynamic nature of Great Lakes shipping in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her transition from American to Canadian ownership and subsequent renaming underscore the interconnected maritime activities between the two nations. The vessel’s unfortunate stranding and eventual scuttling highlight the navigational challenges faced by freighters operating in the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
Keywords: Glenstriven, America, James Playfair, Great Lakes Transportation Company, bulk freighter, Cove Island, Georgian Bay, Midland Ontario
Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Bulk Freighters
Glossary Terms: Gross Tonnage, Beam, Draft, Scuttling, Bulk Freighter, Compound Steam Engine
glenstriven-c-138218-america 1923-11-16 23:39:00