SS Emperor: Operational History

Operational History

Emperor was launched December 17, 1910, but was not ready to go into commission until April 1911 (Port Arthur Daily News, April 8, 1911). By the time the ship was ready for its first trip, the captain selected was G.W. Pearson, and G. Smith was chosen to be the chief engineer for the season (Canadian Railway and Marine World, March 1911:283).

The huge bulk carrier's first season commenced with a major incident. The ship broke its main shaft in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron, and was towed to Detour, Michigan (Canadian Railway and Marine World, June 1911:573; Port Arthur Daily News, May 26, 1911).

The broken shaft on the first trip out was not the most serious mishap to befall Emperor during its first season. While anchoring in the Canadian canal at Sault Ste. Marie, the ship rode over its anchor, causing it to tear a hole in the bow. The freighter sank the few feet to the bottom blocking the channel. It was released, and after temporary repairs were made, proceeded on to Midland, Ontario (Canadian Railway and Marine World, Nov. 1911:1085).

The SS EMPEROR in its final color scheme with large 'CANADA STEAMSHIP LINES' emblazoned on starboard and port midsections. Isle Royale National Park Archives

In May 1916, James Playfair sold Emperor to the Canada Steamship Lines Ltd. of Montreal, Quebec. Playfair was listed as the sole owner of the 64 shares of the ship ("Transcript of Register").

Another incident occurred October 29, 1926, when Emperor was grounded on Major Shoal near Mackinaw City, Michigan. The ship was released unharmed at 4:00 that afternoon after jettisoning 900 tons of ore (Detroit Free Press, Oct. 27, 1926). It is not known how EMPEROR dumped the ore.

In 1936, Emperor lost a rudder (Toronto Evening Telegram, June 4, 1947). A man was washed overboard at the same time. Emperor ran aground in 1937 off Bronte, on Lake Ontario, and was soon released (Toronto Evening Telegram, June 4, 1947.

Shipwrecks of Isle Royale

Wreck of the SS Emperor

SS Emperor Home

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