The iron steam lighter John Strachan was launched from the Maryhill yard of Swan and Co Ltd on 17th February 1885. She measured 66.0′ x 17.9′ x 8.1′ and her tonnage was 82 gross tons, 42 net tons. She was powered by a compound steam engine by Clarkson and Beckett, Glasgow delivering 23 nominal horse power. Ordered by the Kirkcaldy, Leith and Glasgow Steam Packet Co. Ltd she was sold to Mr John Paton of Glasgow in 1916. Her official number was 62968.
The details of her loss or the fate of her crew on 8th December, 1917 while on a voyage from Port Ellen to Loch Etive, are not well documented in contemporary records. Some clues can be gleaned from the wreck which lies off Eilean Imersay . The site is close to Ardbeg Distillery and among a series of treacherous reefs which stretch along the whole length of this part of the Islay coast. The hull of the ship is completely in tact and undamaged making loss in a severe storm unlikely. The only other observation about the wreck itself is that the single hold is completely empty.
The wreck today lies in position 55° 38.212’N, 006° 05.533’W sitting upright in 8 metres facing south east in the position noted. She is in tact, lying with a slight list to port, with her stern resting on the edge of the reef and the bow slightly deeper on a sandy seabed. The hull, which is covered in colourful sponges and other encrusting sealife, is falling away around the stern accommodation allowing light to flood into this part of the wreck. Otherwise all that remains is the void of the empty hold and a small locker room at the bow. The images below are frame grabs from a dive undertaken in 1988.
