Glenann

The iron steamship Theme was launched from the yard of McIlwaine Lewis & Co, Belfast (yard No.21) in March 1884 for her owners W.A. Grainger of Belfast. A small coastal steamship, she measured 159.2′ x 23.0′ x 11.3′ and her tonnage was 322 gross tons, 140 net tons. The vessel was powered by a 2 cylinder compound steam engine manufactured by the builders generating 60 registered horse power. Following a succession of owners and name changes of Volante, Cultra, returning to Theme in 1914 and finally Glenann in 1915 when she was purchased by the Antrim Iron Ore Company of Belfast. She remained in their ownership until her loss.

On Thursday 21st January, 1932 the Glenann was on a voyage from Belfast to Glasgow to pick up a cargo, when she ran aground in thick fog near Kilmory on the south coast of Arran.

The Campbeltown lifeboat was called out and quickly arrived on the scene but, as the weather was calm, the crew had been able to get ashore unaided. Initially, due to the calm seas, it was hoped that she could be quickly refloated as she was more or less undamaged, lying parallel to the shore. The Steel & Bennie tug Strongbow arrived at the scene of the wreck around 11am. Unfortunately, by the time she reached Kilmory, the weather had deteriorated significantly with waves breaking over the Glenann filling her empty holds. The bad weather continued for the next few days and by 23rd January it was obvious that she would become a total wreck.

The wreck of the Glenann lies in approximate position 55° 26.039’N, 005° 13.754’W off Torrylinn beach. She can be dived from the shore which is reached by a track from Kilmory village, but on reflection a snorkel, mask, fins and a wetsuit maybe all you need.

She has been extensively salvaged over the years, although items such as her rudder, propeller and shaft, main frames and plates from her hull are still visible among the sandy seabed in 2-3 metres of water. The rudder post still shows at low water – 2022.