Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Welshman (later renamed Glen Isle)
- Type: Steamship (Screw-Propelled)
- Year Built: 1900
- Builder: N. Tessier
- Dimensions: Length: 105 ft (32 m); Beam: 23 ft (7 m); Depth of hold: 6 ft (1.8 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 156 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 2.1 m / 7 ft
- Location: Gatineau, Quebec
- Official Number: 107789
- Original Owners: Ottawa Forwarding Co. (1900-1908), Rideau Canal Supply Co. (1911-1927)
- Number of Masts: 1
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Welshman, later known as Glen Isle, was a wooden screw-propelled steamship designed for cargo transport along the waterways of Ontario and Quebec. Powered by a reliable engine and with a modest gross tonnage of 156, the vessel played a critical role in supporting the region’s economic development by transporting goods and materials between ports.
Description
The Welshman was constructed in 1900 by N. Tessier in Ottawa, Ontario, for the Ottawa Forwarding Co., which operated the vessel until 1908. The steamship was a vital part of the region’s transportation network, moving goods efficiently along the bustling waterways of Ontario and Quebec.
History
First Rebuild: In 1905, the vessel underwent its first significant rebuild, which maintained its functionality and improved its dimensions. After the rebuild, the Welshman measured 105 feet in length, 23 feet in width, and 6 feet in depth.
Ownership Changes:
- 1911: The vessel was renamed Glen Isle and acquired by the Rideau Canal Supply Co., continuing its service until 1927.
- Fire in 1909: The vessel suffered significant damage from a fire near Lachute, Quebec, on July 11, 1909. Despite the severity of the incident, the vessel was rebuilt to larger dimensions, allowing it to remain operational.
Significant Incidents
- Fire in 1909: The vessel suffered significant damage from a fire near Lachute, Quebec, on July 11, 1909.
Final Disposition
- Date of Loss: October 11, 1930
- Location: Gatineau, Quebec
- Cause of Loss: Destroyed by fire.
Despite its resilience in surviving the fire of 1909, the Welshman (Glen Isle) met its ultimate end in 1930, marking the close of a three-decade career. The circumstances of the fire that destroyed the vessel are unclear, but the event signaled the conclusion of its operational life.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Welshman/Glen Isle highlights the adaptability and utility of early 20th-century steamships in regional commerce. Its construction, rebuilds, and eventual demise reflect the challenges faced by wooden steamers, including wear, tear, and the ever-present risk of fire. The vessel’s contributions to the economy of Ontario and Quebec are emblematic of the vital role such ships played in connecting communities and industries.
Resources & Links
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The Welshman, later known as Glen Isle, served as a crucial component of the early 20th-century maritime infrastructure in Ontario and Quebec. Its history of resilience, utility, and eventual loss offers valuable insights into the evolution of shipping technology and the inherent challenges of the era. Though the vessel is long gone, its legacy endures as part of Canada’s rich maritime heritage.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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