Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Canadian Government Ship (CGS) Lambton
- Type: Steamer (Government Vessel)
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Caribou Island, Lake Superior
- Coordinates: Unknown
- Official Number: C 126409
- Original Owners: Canadian Government
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
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.
Description
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.
History
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.
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, and 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.
Significant Incidents
- April 19, 1922: The CGS Lambton sank during a storm on Lake Superior, resulting in the loss of 27 lives.
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.
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.
Resources & Links
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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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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