The Tragic Loss of the CGS Lambton

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Canadian Government Ship (CGS) Lambton

• Type: Steamer (Government Vessel)

• Built: Not specified

• Tonnage: Not specified

• Length: Not specified

• Beam: Not specified

• Depth: Not specified

• Location: Near Caribou Island, Lake Superior

• Date of Loss: April 19, 1922

• Coordinates: Unknown

• Depth: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The CGS Lambton was a government-operated Steamer with a critical role in the support and maintenance of lighthouses across the Great Lakes. Its duties included transporting lighthouse keepers and assistants to remote stations, a vital service for maintaining navigation safety. Despite its essential mission, the Lambton was known for its poor stability and handling in rough seas, making it unsuitable for the unpredictable and often harsh conditions of Lake Superior.

History

The CGS Lambton was integral to the Canadian Government’s efforts to ensure safe navigation on Lake Superior. In April 1922, it was tasked with transporting lighthouse personnel to their posts, including stops at Parisienne Island, Caribou Island, and Michipicoten Island.

On April 19, 1922, while en route to these destinations, the Lambton encountered a fierce storm. The vessel, known for its questionable seaworthiness, was overwhelmed by the gale. Its last confirmed sighting was by the Steamer Glenfinnan, although subsequent sightings were misidentified.

Search and Recovery Efforts

A search operation was launched but was severely hampered by the storm’s intensity, ice fields, and thick fog. The search spanned several days, covering nearby islands and shorelines, but ultimately confirmed the Lambton’s loss near Caribou Island. The storm claimed the lives of 27 individuals:

• 22 crew members

• 3 lighthouse keepers

• 2 assistants

No bodies were ever recovered, and the vessel’s exact resting place remains undiscovered. This tragedy highlighted the vessel’s vulnerabilities and the dangers of spring storms on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The CGS Lambton sank in Lake Superior during the storm, taking all aboard with it. Wreckage confirmed its loss but failed to pinpoint the exact location of the sinking. The disaster underscores the inherent risks of navigating the vast inland seas, particularly during volatile weather conditions.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) concerning the wreck of the Lambton, as its exact location remains unknown. The presumed wreck site does not pose a hazard to navigation today.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Since the Lambton has not been located, its condition is unknown. Given the presumed depth of Lake Superior at the site of the sinking, the wreck is likely inaccessible without advanced technology. The site, if discovered, would be considered a memorial grave site and should be approached with respect.

Legacy

The loss of the CGS Lambton serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes for public service. The tragedy had lasting implications for maritime safety, highlighting the importance of vessel stability and seaworthiness.

In recent years, efforts to commemorate the lives lost have included memorials and plaques. These tributes serve as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made by mariners and the ongoing importance of safety in maritime operations.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed records and narratives about Great Lakes shipwrecks.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive shipwreck database.

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Historical information on vessels lost in the Great Lakes.

• Ontario Parks: Educational resources on Lake Superior maritime heritage.

Conclusion

The story of the CGS Lambton is a tragic chapter in Great Lakes maritime history. Its loss underscores the challenges faced by government vessels operating in severe conditions and highlights the bravery of those who undertook such perilous missions. The Lambton’s disappearance during the storm of April 19, 1922, and the loss of 27 lives, remains a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of Lake Superior and the importance of maritime safety and preparedness.

Keywords

CGS Lambton, Lake Superior, Great Lakes shipwreck, 1922 storm, lighthouse service vessel, maritime tragedy, Canadian government ships, Caribou Island.