Transiter

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Transiter
• Type: tank vessel
• Year Built: 1935
• Builder: Horton Steel Works Ltd.
• Dimensions: Length 242.5 ft (73.9 m); Beam 34 ft (10.4 m); Depth of hold 15.6 ft (4.75 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage 1335, Net Tonnage 1119
• Location: Off Cabo de la Vela, Colombia
• Official Number: Canadian Official Number 158633
• Original Owners: Transit Tankers & Terminals Ltd., Challenger Ltd.

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Steel-hulled tank vessel—a fuel and liquid cargo carrier built for inland and coastal service, originally powered by two 4-cylinder oil engines.

Description

Built in 1935 by Horton Steel Works Ltd. in Fort Erie, Ontario, the Transiter was a purpose-built steel tank vessel designed for fuel transport by Transit Tankers & Terminals Ltd. She measured 202 feet (61.6 m) originally, powered by a 9″ x 16.5″ Arctic Atlas Diesel engine. The vessel underwent a major rebuild in 1942 following a catastrophic fire and explosion the previous year, which included lengthening to 242.5 feet (73.9 m). The vessel was then renamed Transtream, and later Witsupply in 1969 under Challenger Ltd.

History

On July 9, 1941, while docked at River Rouge near Detroit, Michigan, the Transiter suffered a massive explosion and fire during fueling operations. Two crew members were killed in the blast, which severely damaged the vessel and engulfed the wharf area in flames. The fire was so intense that it was reported in major newspapers across the Midwest and resulted in the vessel being declared a total constructive loss. She was abandoned to underwriters, a legal process of transferring ownership after insurance settlement.

In 1942, the Transiter was salvaged and rebuilt at Muir Bros. Drydock Co. in Port Dalhousie, Ontario. She was lengthened and renamed Transtream, returning to active service. In 1969, the vessel was acquired by Challenger Ltd. and renamed Witsupply.

Her long service ended in 1981 when she capsized and foundered off Cabo de la Vela, Colombia while under tow to Cartagena for scrapping. Sources conflict on whether this occurred on February 17 or 23.

Significant Incidents

• July 9, 1941: Explosion and fire during fueling operations at River Rouge, Michigan, resulting in two fatalities and total constructive loss.
• 1942: Salvaged and rebuilt after the explosion, lengthened and renamed Transtream.
• 1969: Renamed Witsupply under new ownership.
• February 1981: Capsized and foundered off Cabo de la Vela, Colombia, while being towed for scrapping.

Final Disposition

• Cause of Loss: Capsized while being towed for scrapping
• Location: Off Cabo de la Vela, Colombia
• Depth/Coordinates: Exact coordinates currently unlisted in known public records
• Date Lost: February 17 or 23, 1981

Current Condition & Accessibility

Nil return. The wreck site has not been positively located or documented with sonar or dive investigation.

Resources & Links

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The Transiter is a notable vessel in Canadian and Great Lakes maritime history, not only for her function as a tank vessel but also for surviving a disastrous 1941 fire and explosion at River Rouge—a tragedy that claimed two lives. Her post-reconstruction life under different names—Transtream and Witsupply—represents the long operational lives of some working lake vessels. Although she ultimately sank off Colombia during her final voyage to the scrapyard, her early misfortune and rebirth make her a unique case among surviving fire-damaged vessels.