1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CGS Lambton was a government-operated steamer tasked with various duties on the Great Lakes, including the transportation of lighthouse keepers and their assistants to remote stations. The vessel was known for its instability and poor handling in rough seas, making it ill-suited for the harsh conditions often encountered on Lake Superior. Despite concerns raised about its seaworthiness, the Lambton continued to be used for missions on the lake.
3. HISTORY #
The CGS Lambton played a significant role in the maintenance and operation of lighthouses on Lake Superior. In 1922, the vessel was tasked with transporting lighthouse keepers and their assistants to various stations, including Parisienne Island, Caribou Island, and Michipicoten Island. The mission was fraught with challenges due to the vessel’s known instability and the unpredictable weather conditions on the lake.
On April 19, 1922, the CGS Lambton encountered a severe storm while en route to its destinations. Despite warnings about the vessel’s inability to handle such conditions, it set sail and ultimately disappeared amid the storm. The last known sighting of the Lambton was reported by the steamer Glenfinnan, which mistook another vessel for the Lambton due to similar markings. A search operation was launched, but the treacherous weather, including ice fields and thick fog, hampered efforts to locate the vessel.
The search extended over several days, covering multiple islands and the main shorelines. Wreckage eventually confirmed that the Lambton had likely sunk between Caribou Island and Gargantua, taking the lives of 27 individuals, including 22 crew members, three lighthouse keepers, and two assistants. No bodies were ever recovered from the icy depths of Lake Superior.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The CGS Lambton was lost in a severe storm on April 19, 1922, while transporting lighthouse keepers to their stations on Lake Superior. The vessel is believed to have sunk near Caribou Island, although its exact resting place remains unknown. The loss of the Lambton resulted in the deaths of 27 individuals, including both crew and passengers. The sinking of the Lambton serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, particularly during the volatile spring season.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the CGS Lambton. The location of the wreck remains uncertain, and it is presumed to be resting at an unknown depth in Lake Superior.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the CGS Lambton has not been located. The vessel is believed to have sunk on April 19, 1922, near Caribou Island in Lake Superior. Search efforts following the disaster were unsuccessful in locating the wreck or recovering any remains.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Since the wreck of the CGS Lambton has not been located, its current condition and accessibility remain unknown. The vessel is presumed to be at the bottom of Lake Superior, possibly at a considerable depth, making any future discovery challenging. The site is considered a grave site, and any exploration should be approached with respect for the lives lost in the disaster.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Great Lakes Ships
- Bowling Green State University
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Union Call to Action
- Parry Sound North Star
- Ontario Parks
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The sinking of the CGS Lambton highlights the importance of adhering to safety warnings and the expertise of those familiar with the treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes. The disaster, which resulted in the loss of 27 lives, underscores the need for proper vessel design and preparedness when navigating such dangerous waters. The recent unveiling of a memorial plaque commemorates the victims and serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of workplace safety.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
As the wreck of the CGS Lambton has not been located, diving is not possible. If the wreck were to be discovered, it would likely require advanced technical diving skills due to the potential depth and environmental conditions of Lake Superior. Any exploration should be conducted with respect for the historical significance of the site and the lives lost.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 20th Century
- Government Vessel
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
- Tragedy
CONCLUSION #
The loss of the CGS Lambton on April 19, 1922, is a poignant chapter in the history of Lake Superior’s maritime operations. The vessel’s disappearance during a severe storm, despite warnings about its seaworthiness, serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by those who worked on the Great Lakes. The tragedy, which claimed 27 lives, has left a lasting impact on the region’s maritime history and continues to be remembered through memorials and ongoing efforts to improve safety for mariners.
