Canada is home to many famous shipwrecks, each with a unique story. These tragic events have fascinated people for years, with some even inspiring songs, books, and movies. Let’s dive into the 10 most famous shipwrecks in Canadian history.
1. SS Edmund Fitzgerald.
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald is one of the most well-known shipwrecks. It sank on November 10, 1975, during a storm on Lake Superior. The ship was carrying over 26,000 tonnes of iron ore from Superior, Wisconsin, to Detroit, Michigan. All 29 crew members tragically lost their lives when the ship sank near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The sinking inspired the famous song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot, and to this day, it remains a haunting mystery as to what exactly caused the ship to go down. Investigators believe faulty cargo hatches led to flooding and the eventual sinking.
2. The Basque Vessels of Red Bay.
In Red Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, the waters hide one of North America’s best-preserved shipwrecks. These shipwrecks belong to the Basque whalers, who came from Europe to hunt bowhead whales between 1543 and the 1570s. The whales’ blubber was used to make oil for lighting and soap. In 1978, a team found several small boats and a large galleon named San Juan, which sank in 1565. Today, this site is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting the memory of those brave Basque sailors.
3. RMS Titanic.
The RMS Titanic is perhaps the most famous shipwreck in the world. On April 15, 1912, this “unsinkable” ship struck an iceberg and sank in the cold waters of the North Atlantic. The wreck lies about 640 kilometers south of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Around 1,635 of the 2,200 people on board lost their lives. In 1985, the shipwreck was discovered deep below the ocean. The wreck has been explored many times, but its haunting story continues to capture the world’s imagination.
4. SS Atlantic.
Long before the Titanic, the SS Atlantic met a tragic fate. On April 1, 1873, the SS Atlantic struck rocks near Lower Prospect, Nova Scotia, while on its way from Liverpool to New York. The ship’s captain had planned to stop in Halifax for coal, but strong currents pushed the ship off course. Over 500 people died, making it one of Canada’s deadliest shipwrecks. However, the brave residents of Lower Prospect saved many lives that day.
5. RMS Empress of Ireland.
The RMS Empress of Ireland is often called the “Canadian Titanic.” On May 29, 1914, while sailing through thick fog near the Saint Lawrence River, the ship collided with a Norwegian vessel, the SS Storstad. Despite having watertight compartments and many lifeboats, the ship sank quickly, and 1,012 of the 1,477 passengers and crew died. It remains Canada’s deadliest shipwreck, and its wreckage continues to be a reminder of the dangers of the sea.
6. HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.
These two ships, the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, are part of one of Canada’s greatest mysteries. In 1845, Sir John Franklin led an expedition to find the Northwest Passage. Both ships became trapped in ice near Nunavut, and the crew abandoned them by 1848. For years, no one knew what happened to the ships or the men. In 2014, the HMS Erebus was found, followed by the HMS Terror in 2016. It is believed the crew faced terrible conditions, including starvation, freezing temperatures, and possibly even cannibalism.
7. HMS Investigator.
The HMS Investigator was sent in 1848 to find the lost Franklin expedition. Unfortunately, the Investigator itself became trapped in ice near Banks Island, in the Northwest Territories. The crew faced hunger and freezing temperatures but was saved by another ship. In 2010, scientists found the wreck of the Investigator just below the surface. Unlike many other shipwrecks, the captain and surgeon wrote detailed accounts of their struggle, allowing us to know exactly what happened to this ill-fated ship.
8. Sweepstakes.
The Sweepstakes was a Canadian schooner that met a sad end in 1885. It was damaged by rocks near Tobermory, Ontario, and was towed to Big Tub Harbour for repairs. However, before the repairs could be finished, the ship sank. Despite this, the Sweepstakes is still in great condition and is now a popular spot for divers and snorkelers. It offers a glimpse into the past for those brave enough to explore the waters around Tobermory.
9. Robert Kerr.
The Robert Kerr is a famous ship from British Columbia’s history. During the Great Vancouver Fire of 1886, many people sought safety aboard this schooner. The ship survived the fire, but years later, in 1911, it struck a reef near Thetis Island and sank. Divers still visit the site, which is now a part of British Columbia’s protected heritage. The Robert Kerr reminds us of the challenges and dangers faced by those who sailed the Canadian coast.
10. HMS St. Lawrence.
The HMS St. Lawrence was a mighty British warship built during the War of 1812. It was the largest ship to sail the Great Lakes, carrying 112 guns and a crew of 800 men. However, it never saw battle. After the war, the ship was decommissioned and eventually sank in Kingston Harbour in 1832. Today, it is a popular diving site, where people can explore the remains of this once-great ship.
