Draft:Sinking of the RMS Empress of Ireland
| Submission declined on 9 November 2024 by KylieTastic (talk). This submission is not adequately supported by reliable sources. Reliable sources are required so that information can be verified. If you need help with referencing, please see Referencing for beginners and Citing sources.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
|  |
Comment: Unsourced KylieTastic (talk) 20:46, 9 November 2024 (UTC)
The sinking of the Empress of Ireland was a maritime disaster that occurred on May 29, 1914, when the RMS Empress of Ireland sank in the Saint Lawrence River near Quebec City, Canada. The tragedy resulted in one of the deadliest maritime disasters in Canadian history, claiming the lives of 1,012 passengers and crew members out of the 1,477 on board.
Background
[edit]The Empress of Ireland was a transatlantic liner operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway. She was launched in 1906 and was known for her luxurious accommodations, catering primarily to wealthy passengers traveling between Canada and Europe. By the time of her sinking, the ship had successfully completed numerous voyages, establishing a reputation for reliability and comfort.
Voyage
[edit]On May 28, 1914, the Empress of Ireland departed from Quebec City for Liverpool, England. Onboard were a mix of passengers, including immigrants, tourists, and crew. The weather was reportedly foggy on the evening of May 29, which reduced visibility on the St. Lawrence River.
Collision and sinking
[edit]At approximately 2:00 AM on May 29, while navigating the Saint Lawrence River near Rimouski, Quebec, the Empress of Ireland collided with the Norwegian coal freighter SS Storstad. The impact ruptured the liner's hull, leading to rapid flooding. Within 14 to 20 minutes, the Empress of Ireland had sunk beneath the icy waters.
Many passengers were unprepared for the sudden disaster, and the chaos that ensued hampered evacuation efforts. Lifeboats were launched, but there were not enough for all on board. The freezing water and the urgency of the situation meant that many people were unable to escape.
Aftermath and casualties
[edit]Out of the 1,477 individuals on the Empress of Ireland, only 465 survived. The tragedy heavily impacted communities across Canada and further highlighted concerns surrounding maritime safety regulations. The sinking drew attention to the necessity of proper lifeboat provision and improved safety measures for passenger vessels.
In the wake of the disaster, official inquiries were launched to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Reports indicated that both vessels were navigating improperly, contributing to the crash.
Legacy
[edit]The sinking of the Empress of Ireland remains a solemn chapter in Canadian maritime history. Memorials have been established, and the wreck of the Empress, lying at the bottom of the Saint Lawrence River, has become a site of historical interest and underwater exploration.
The tragedy also influenced international maritime law, leading to discussions regarding safety protocols for passenger ships. Today, the Empress of Ireland is a reminder of the perils of sea travel and the importance of maritime safety.
