The First Emperor Diver
- Thread starter Scott A McWilliam
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Scott A McWilliam
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This post addresses a Wikipedia error on the Emperor shipwreck, which reads in part, “Canada Steamship Lines also chartered the excursion boat Coastal Queen to assist in the search. However, bad weather prevented diver E. J. Fowler, who was on board the Coastal Queen from reaching the wreck.”
The citation is attributed to the Toronto Historical Society and Dan Lenihan. While I have the greatest respect for both, this account is factually incorrect. There is an interesting reason for this error.
They appear to have relied on a Canada Steamship Lines and US Coast Guard account that dismisses Doc’s diving. As you can see in the photographs weather was not a problem, and in one of the photographs, Doc, in his diving woollies, is standing on the Pilot house, which is awash, so he reached the wreck. There are many photographs of Doc in gear diving the site. There is no sign of the Coast Guard boat on station during the diving operations.
In addition to looking for bodies, Doc made a reasonably detailed survey of the hull and declared the ship a total loss as Emperor had broken her back on Canoe Rocks shoal. The Emperor was insured, and the only way for them to recover was to sell the salvage rights. In the hope of doing this, Doc’s report was not disclosed.
It is one of the many examples where the official Company or Coast Guard account is incorrect and a disservice to history. Unfortunately, this type of error is not uncommon. In the official account of the loss of the Madera, the Captain stated that both anchors were deployed after the tow line parted. The first divers found both anchors in place. A false account was provided by the captain and crew to avoid liability or gain economic advantage.
The citation is attributed to the Toronto Historical Society and Dan Lenihan. While I have the greatest respect for both, this account is factually incorrect. There is an interesting reason for this error.
They appear to have relied on a Canada Steamship Lines and US Coast Guard account that dismisses Doc’s diving. As you can see in the photographs weather was not a problem, and in one of the photographs, Doc, in his diving woollies, is standing on the Pilot house, which is awash, so he reached the wreck. There are many photographs of Doc in gear diving the site. There is no sign of the Coast Guard boat on station during the diving operations.
In addition to looking for bodies, Doc made a reasonably detailed survey of the hull and declared the ship a total loss as Emperor had broken her back on Canoe Rocks shoal. The Emperor was insured, and the only way for them to recover was to sell the salvage rights. In the hope of doing this, Doc’s report was not disclosed.
It is one of the many examples where the official Company or Coast Guard account is incorrect and a disservice to history. Unfortunately, this type of error is not uncommon. In the official account of the loss of the Madera, the Captain stated that both anchors were deployed after the tow line parted. The first divers found both anchors in place. A false account was provided by the captain and crew to avoid liability or gain economic advantage.
As I recall (and this may have come from Stonehouse), the Emperor wasn't salvaged because of the location and the depth. The weather took apart most of the bow by the spring of 48. I was told a story that the first scuba divers were visiting in 1968.
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