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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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