SS Kamloops was a Canadian steamship that operated on the Great Lakes. It was built in 1924 and served primarily as a bulk freight carrier, transporting cargo such as grain and iron ore. The ship was owned and operated by the Canada Steamship Lines.
On December 6, 1927, SS Kamloops departed from Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay), Ontario, loaded with a cargo of grain. It was headed for its destination in Fort William, Ontario. However, during the voyage, the ship encountered a severe winter storm with heavy snow and high winds.
In the midst of the blizzard, the ship became disoriented and lost its bearings. The crew struggled to navigate through the treacherous conditions, but unfortunately, they were unable to locate their position accurately. The situation was further complicated by the lack of modern navigation technology at that time.
As a result, the SS Kamloops ran aground near Isle Royale in Lake Superior. The ship’s distress signals were heard, and rescue operations were initiated. However, the severe weather conditions made it challenging for rescue vessels to reach the stranded ship promptly.
Ultimately, the rescue efforts were not successful in saving the SS Kamloops and its crew. The ship sank, taking with it all but one of its 22 crew members. Only one sailor, Edward C. Kmiec, managed to survive the tragic incident.
For decades, the exact location of the wreck remained unknown. In recent years, the wreckage of the SS Kamloops was discovered lying in the waters of Lake Superior, about 15 miles off Isle Royale. The ship rests at a depth of approximately 270 feet.
The sinking of SS Kamloops is one of the many shipwrecks that occurred in the Great Lakes, and it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by sailors navigating these vast inland seas, especially during harsh winter conditions.
