Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS Kamloops
- Type: Steam-powered bulk carrier
- Year Built: 1924
- Builder: Furness Shipbuilding Co., Haverton Hill, England
- Dimensions: 250 ft × 43 ft × 21 ft (76.2 m × 13.1 m × 6.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Approx. 2,400 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 82 m / 270 ft
- Location: Near Isle Royale, Lake Superior
- Coordinates: Approx. 15 miles off Isle Royale
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Canada Steamship Lines
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The SS Kamloops was a steel-hulled, steam-powered package freighter built for Canada Steamship Lines, designed to carry bulk freight and mixed cargo across the Great Lakes.
Description
Launched in 1924, the Kamloops featured large holds and a compound steam propulsion system. Despite her modern design for the time, she lacked advanced navigational equipment to cope with severe winter storms.
History
The Kamloops served as a workhorse for Canada Steamship Lines, operating on Lake Superior routes. On 6 December 1927, she departed Port Arthur, Ontario, bound for Fort William with a mixed cargo. While transiting Lake Superior, she encountered a violent winter storm. Blizzard conditions and heavy seas overwhelmed the vessel, and without modern navigation aids, she drifted near Isle Royale, where she foundered. Of the 22 crew aboard, only one survived: Edward C. Kmiec. The remaining 21 crew perished, most likely from exposure and drowning.
Significant Incidents
- 6 December 1927: SS Kamloops foundered in a winter storm on Lake Superior, resulting in 21 fatalities and 1 survivor.
Final Disposition
For decades, the Kamloops was considered a ghost ship. Its wreck remained undiscovered until 1977, when divers located it in deep water near Isle Royale. The vessel rests upright at approximately 270 ft (82 m), largely intact, with holds still containing remnants of its final cargo.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is protected within Isle Royale National Park. Diving is regulated, and artifact removal is prohibited. Due to the wreck’s depth, only advanced trimix-certified technical divers can safely access the site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ss-kamloops” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
With a tragic history and a largely intact structure, the SS Kamloops serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. Divers are encouraged to respect the site and its history, adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories.’
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Lead Image
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Description
The SS Kamloops was a steel-hulled, steam-powered package freighter built in England for Canada Steamship Lines. Designed to carry bulk freight and mixed cargo across the Great Lakes, she featured large holds and a compound steam propulsion system. Despite her modern design for the time, she lacked advanced navigational equipment to cope with severe winter storms.History
Launched in 1924, the Kamloops served as a workhorse for Canada Steamship Lines, operating on Lake Superior routes. She routinely transported general cargo, including manufactured goods and bulk commodities. On 6 December 1927, she departed Port Arthur, Ontario, bound for Fort William, with a mixed cargo. While transiting Lake Superior, she encountered a violent winter storm. Blizzard conditions and heavy seas overwhelmed the vessel. Disoriented without modern navigation aids, she drifted near Isle Royale, where she foundered. Of the 22 crew aboard, only one survived: Edward C. Kmiec. The remaining 21 crew perished, most likely from exposure and drowning.Final Dispositions
For decades, the Kamloops was considered a “ghost ship.” Its wreck remained undiscovered until 1977, when divers located it in deep water near Isle Royale. The vessel rests upright at approximately 270 ft (82 m), largely intact, with holds still containing remnants of its final cargo.Located By & Date Found
Located in 1977 by Great Lakes divers. Later documented extensively by the National Park Service and technical diving teams.Notmars & Advisories
Protected within Isle Royale National Park. Diving is regulated, and artifact removal is prohibited. Due to the wreck’s depth, only advanced trimix-certified technical divers can safely access the site.Dive Information
Access: Boat only Entry Point: Isle Royale NP harbors Conditions: Cold, deep, limited light, strong thermocline Depth Range: 250–270 ft (76–82 m) Emergency Contacts: USCG Duluth; Isle Royale NP Rangers Permits: Required under NPS regulations Dive Support: Technical diving charters in Lake Superior regionCrew & Casualty Memorials
21 crew perished, 1 survivor (Edward C. Kmiec). Memorials are maintained by Canada Steamship Lines records and Isle Royale National Park interpretive materials.Documented Statements & Extracts
“The Kamloops has long been regarded as one of Isle Royale’s most tragic wrecks. Her crew were overcome by Superior’s cold fury, with only one man surviving to tell the tale.” — NPS Isle Royale
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Canadian-flagged vessel, operated by Canada Steamship Lines. Insurance records and casualty lists are preserved in Canadian maritime archives and Lloyd’s casualty lists.Site Documentation & Imaging
Surveyed by divers and the National Park Service. The wreck remains largely intact and has been extensively photographed. Cargo remnants and artifacts are still present inside the holds.Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- National Park Service: SS Kamloops
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
References
- National Park Service: SS Kamloops History
- Lloyd’s Casualty Reports, 1927
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum archives