IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Vessel Name: ARLINGTON (formerly GLENCADAM and F.P. JONES)
  • Type: Steel-Built Bulk Freighter
  • Builder: Detroit Shipbuilding Co., supervised by Thomas Quayle
  • Year Built: 1913
  • Location Built: Wyandotte, Michigan, USA
  • Material: Steel
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 244 feet (74.4 meters)
    • Beam: 43 feet (13.1 meters)
    • Depth: 21 feet (6.4 meters)
  • Decks: One
  • Tonnage:
    • Gross: 1,870 tons
    • Net: 1,118 tons
  • Final Location: Lake Superior
  • Year of Loss: May 1, 1940
  • Coordinates: Not available
  • Depth: Not specified

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The ARLINGTON was a steel bulk freighter built for carrying large volumes of cargo, such as grain or coal, across the Great Lakes. Originally designed as a robust and efficient vessel, it featured a triple-expansion steam engine and Scotch boilers, typical of freighters built during the early 20th century. Its steel construction offered enhanced durability compared to earlier wooden vessels, making it well-suited for the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

The ARLINGTON began its service in 1913, launched as the GLENCADAM by the George Hall Coal Co. Throughout its life, the vessel underwent multiple ownership changes and served various purposes:

The freighter faced several challenges during its career, including frequent repairs and modifications. Despite these, it remained a reliable vessel until its final voyage.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On May 1, 1940, the ARLINGTON departed carrying 98,000 bushels of wheat. During its voyage on Lake Superior, the vessel encountered a powerful storm. Heavy seas caused significant water ingress, leading to instability. Despite efforts by the crew to secure the hatches and stabilize the ship, the ARLINGTON began to sink rapidly.

Captain Burke remained on the bridge, attempting to manage the vessel as the lifeboats were launched. Tragically, he went down with the ship.

The surviving crew escaped in a lifeboat and were rescued by the nearby SS COLLINGWOOD.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

•No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories are associated with the ARLINGTON wreck. The exact location remains unknown, adding an air of mystery to the ship’s final resting place.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The ARLINGTON’s wreck has not been located or explored. Its exact resting place remains undetermined, likely in deep waters of Lake Superior.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Given its steel construction and the cold, oxygen-poor waters of Lake Superior, parts of the ARLINGTON are likely well-preserved. However, the probable depth of the wreck, combined with the lack of specific coordinates, renders it largely inaccessible. Exploration would require advanced sonar technology and technical diving capabilities.

RESOURCES & LINKS

CONCLUSION

The ARLINGTON‘s loss in 1940 highlights the perils of Great Lakes shipping, especially during periods of severe weather. Despite the ship’s strong construction and experienced crew, the unpredictable nature of Lake Superior proved fatal. The vessel’s history, marked by resilience and adaptation, serves as a testament to the evolution of maritime trade and technology on the Great Lakes. While its exact resting place remains unknown, the ARLINGTON continues to be remembered as part of the region’s rich maritime heritage.

KEYWORDS

  • ARLINGTON
  • GLENCADAM
  • Lake Superior shipwreck
  • Great Lakes freighter
  • 20th-century maritime history
  • Steel freighter wreck
  • Burke Towing & Salvage
  • SS COLLINGWOOD rescue
  • Lake Superior storms
  • Shipwreck explorations from this period.