History Daily: Saturday Matinee - Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs

Episode Release Date: May 17, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of History Daily, host Lindsay Graham delves into one of the Pacific Northwest's most tragic maritime disasters—the sinking of the Canadian passenger steamship Princess Sophia on October 25, 1918. Narrated through the vivid storytelling of Rich Napolitano from the podcast Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs, the episode paints a detailed picture of the events leading up to the disaster, the catastrophe itself, and its enduring legacy.

Historical Context

The sinking of the Princess Sophia occurred against the backdrop of significant global turmoil. By October 1918, World War I had raged for four years, resulting in approximately 20 million deaths worldwide. Concurrently, a deadly influenza epidemic was sweeping across the globe, claiming over 10 million lives by October alone and projecting to exceed 50 million within a year. This dual crisis meant that the loss of all 353 passengers and crew on the Princess Sophia, while devastating, was somewhat overshadowed by the broader catastrophes of the time.

The Princess Sophia and Its Voyage

The Princess Sophia was a robust steel double-hulled steamship, part of the Canadian Pacific Railroad's (CPR) fleet, designed to navigate the challenging waters of the Inside Passage between British Columbia and Alaska. Launched on November 8, 1911, the vessel was known for its reliability and capacity, accommodating 166 first-class and 84 second-class passengers. On October 23, 1918, the Princess Sophia departed Skagway, Alaska, en route to Dawson City, carrying 353 individuals, including miners, government officials, and newly recruited soldiers heading to the war front.

Captain Leonard Locke, aged 66, commanded the ship. With over five decades of maritime experience, Locke was respected for his strict adherence to procedures and deep knowledge of the waters he navigated. Despite being three hours behind schedule, Locke maintained full speed as the ship traversed the 90-mile-long Lynn Canal, unaware of the impending disaster.

The Sinking Event

At approximately 11:00 PM on October 23rd, as the Princess Sophia passed Battery Point, the weather abruptly worsened. A blinding snowstorm enveloped the ship, reducing visibility to near zero and bringing fierce northerly winds that whipped the waves into formidable frothy whitecaps. Despite these treacherous conditions, Captain Locke continued at full speed, a decision that would prove catastrophic.

At around 2:10 PM on October 24th, amid the raging storm, the Princess Sophia struck Vanderbilt Reef at Lynn Canal. The impact was severe, causing the ship to grind its keel against the reef and eventually break apart. Initially, the ship did not appear to be taking on water, leading Locke to believe they could weather the storm. He issued messages to CPR headquarters, reporting the ship was stranded but not sinking—a misjudgment that would prove fatal.

Rescue Efforts and Desperation

The initial rescue response was hampered by the storm's intensity. Multiple vessels, including the Cedar and King and Wing, attempted to reach the Princess Sophia but were thwarted by the violent seas. Captain Locke deemed the conditions too perilous for a safe evacuation, a decision influenced by past maritime tragedies, such as the loss of the steamer Clallam in 1904, where lifeboats capsized during a rescue attempt.

As the storm persisted into October 25th, hope began to fade. Despite six vessels on standby, including the Cedar and King and Wing, the relentless weather made any rescue operation exceedingly dangerous. Passengers grew increasingly anxious, with many attempting to prepare for the worst. Notably, Signal Corps Private R.S. McQueen penned a poignant letter to his mother expressing his fears and hopes:

"I am writing this, my dear girl, while the boat is in grave danger... But believe me, dear Dory, it might have been much worse." (05:29)

Despite efforts to distribute life jackets and assign passengers to lifeboats, the conditions never improved. At 5:50 PM on October 25th, a massive swell lifted the Princess Sophia violently, causing it to spin and ultimately sink into the icy waters of Lynn Canal. Tragically, there were no survivors. Watches of the victims had stopped at 5:50 PM, marking the exact time of the sinking.

Aftermath and Losses

The loss of the Princess Sophia had a profound impact, particularly on Dawson City, a boomtown established during the Klondike Gold Rush. Of Dawson City's population of approximately 800 at the time, 126 residents perished in the disaster, representing about 16% of the community. The tragedy was widely reported, with headlines such as "Worst Marine Tragedy on the Pacific Coast" in the Toronto Globe and "Terrible Disaster at Sea" in Glasgow's newspapers.

Recovery efforts were swift but hampered by the ongoing influenza epidemic. Over 180 bodies were recovered by November 1st, with the majority identified and returned to their families. Notable survivors included Captain James Kirk, who was found heroically tied to another passenger in an attempt to save him, and crewman Frank Goss, who initially survived the sinking but succumbed to exposure shortly after reaching shore.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

An investigation into the sinking began on January 6, 1919, focusing primarily on Captain Locke's decisions during the voyage and his failure to initiate a timely evacuation. Despite mixed testimonies from rescue vessel captains, the inquiry concluded that the Princess Sophia was lost due to the "perils of the sea," absolving Captain Locke and the crew of direct blame.

However, the aftermath saw extensive legal battles. Families of the victims filed workers' compensation claims and civil lawsuits against CPR. Initially, Judge Jeremiah Neterer awarded $2.5 million to the families, but an appeals court overturned this decision, ultimately limiting CPR's liability to minimal compensation. Despite attempts by attorney William Martin to hold CPR accountable, the final ruling in 1930 favored CPR, restricting payouts to crews' families and securing an insurance payout of $250,000.

Legacy and Remembrance

The Princess Sophia's sinking led to significant changes in maritime safety. In 1920, a navigation beacon was installed on Vanderbilt Reef to prevent future tragedies. The wreck itself has become a popular, albeit eerie, dive site, lying split along the reef’s slopes with remnants such as the rudder, propeller, and foremast visible to divers.

Commemorations of the disaster have grown over the years. Annual memorial services are held at Evergreen Cemetery in Vancouver, and a bronze memorial plaque was dedicated at Eagle Beach State Recreation Area on July 14th, 2024, honoring the 350 passengers and crew who perished.

Adding a touch of local legend, a bronze statue of Tommy the Dog was installed at T Harbor in Juneau in July 2024. Tommy, an English setter purportedly the only surviving animal from the sinking, symbolizes hope and resilience despite the tragedy—a mythic figure encapsulating the spirit of those lost.

Conclusion

The sinking of the Princess Sophia remains a haunting maritime tragedy, often referred to as the "Unknown Titanic of the West Coast." Its story is a poignant reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sea and the human cost of maritime disasters. Through History Daily and Rich Napolitano's engaging narration, the legacy of the Princess Sophia continues to be remembered and honored, ensuring that the lives lost on that fateful October day are not forgotten.

Notable Quotes

• Signal Corps Private R.S. McQueen:
  "As soon as this storm quits we will be taken off... We are getting heat and lights now and we still have lump sugar and water for drinking." (10:14)

• Passenger James Kirk:
  "I am found tied to him by the wrists, trying to save him." (21:48)

Further Reading and Resources

For those interested in exploring more about the Princess Sophia and other maritime disasters, History Daily recommends following the podcast Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs for in-depth stories and historical analyses.