Ep 2. Sinking on the St. Lawrence
- April 20, 2004
Deep Sea Detectives is an exciting show that explores the mysteries of the sea. In season 2 episode 2, titled "Sinking on the St. Lawrence," the team investigates a tragic accident that occurred on the St. Lawrence River.
We are introduced to the story of the Empress of Ireland, a luxury liner that was sailing from Quebec City to Liverpool in May of 1914. The ship was carrying over 1,000 passengers and crew members when it collided with a Norwegian coal ship in the early hours of the morning. Within 14 minutes, the Empress of Ireland sank to the bottom of the St. Lawrence River, taking the lives of over 1,000 people with it.
The Deep Sea Detectives team travels to the site of the sinking, where they begin their investigation. The team is made up of a mix of marine archaeologists, historians, and scientists, all of whom bring their expertise to the table. They use sonar equipment to map the wreckage site, which is located over 40 meters below the surface of the river.
As they explore the wreckage site, the team comes across several artifacts that help to piece together the story of what happened that fateful night. They find pieces of the ship, such as the steam whistle and the telegraph, which give them insight into what was happening on board the Empress of Ireland just before the collision. They also find personal belongings, such as eyeglasses and buttons, which help to bring the human cost of the tragedy into focus.
Throughout the investigation, the team also speaks to various experts on the Empress of Ireland, including historians and descendants of those who were on board the ship. They learn about the ship's history, including its advanced safety features and its importance in the early 20th century travel industry. They also learn more about the social dynamics on board the ship, including the distinction between first and third-class passengers.
As the investigation progresses, the team faces several challenges. The deep water pressure and the strong currents make it difficult to navigate around the wreckage site. They also discover that the ship's remains are being threatened by fishing nets and other human interference. Nevertheless, the team is determined to uncover the truth about what happened on the Empress of Ireland and to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Overall, "Sinking on the St. Lawrence" is a fascinating episode of Deep Sea Detectives that sheds light on a little-known disaster in maritime history. Through the use of cutting-edge technology and the expertise of a diverse group of professionals, the team is able to piece together the events that led to the sinking of the Empress of Ireland. The episode is a testament to the power of exploration and the importance of honoring the past through research and analysis.