The Empress of Ireland sinks in the St. Lawrence

May 29, 2017

Bell from the Empress of Ireland

Bell from the Empress of Ireland. Canadian Museum of History, 2012.21.421, IMG2012-0281-0002-Dp1

May 29, 1914

In the early morning of May 29, 1914, the Canadian Pacific ocean liner the Empress of Ireland, destined for Liverpool, collided with a Norwegian collier, the Storstad, close to Rimouski, Quebec. The liner, with its 1,477 passengers and crew, sank quickly — 14 minutes after impact. Only 465 survived. This is one of history’s greatest maritime disasters.

Each day for 150 days leading up to the opening of the Canadian History Hall, we’re presenting one moment among the many that have shaped our country. Discover more of Canada’s significant historical events in the new Canadian History Hall, opening July 1, 2017.