The Wreck of the S.S. Princess Sophia

The Unknown Titanic of the West Coast

The deadliest marine disaster on the west coast of North America occurred in Lynn Canal on October 24, 1918, but few people have ever heard of it. Approximately 345 people died when the SS Princess Sophia slid off Vanderbilt Reef and sank. Did the captain’s recklessness cause the disaster, and did his poor decision-making doom the passengers and crew of the Princess Sophia?

The Princess Sophia was a passenger liner in the coastal service fleet of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). The ship was launched in May 1911, so by October 1918, it was only seven and one-half years old. The ship was strong and durable with a double steel hull. It measured 245 feet (75 m) in length and could comfortably carry 250 passengers and up to 500 passengers with special permission.

On October 23, 1918, the Princess Sophia was at capacity. The exact number of people on board will never be known due to the likelihood of stowaways and a sloppy crew manifest, but at least 18 babies and children counted among the passengers. This voyage was the last run south of the year for the Princess Sophia, and folks eager to leave Alaska before the cold, harsh winter booked passage to travel to one of the Ports of Call along Sophia’s route.