If I was that first diver on the Kamloops and I suddenly saw the mummified remains of Old Whitey floating right next to me, both of us far below the surface of Superior, my soul would instantly leave my body. Utterly terrifying.
Another Excellent presentation good Sir. The story of the SS Kamloops both saddens me and chills me to the bone. Over the years shipwreck images seem to give me the Woolys, haven't figured out why.
@TheMainLead even with that knowledge in your head. Your not going to be prepared to see a preserved body in a wreck that has been down there for half a century.
@@TheMainLeadit's one thing to have the possibility in mind, right along with the possibility that all hands went overboard. After all, bodies were found on the island. And supposing there were bodies remaining on the wreck, one might expect to see any body from a distance, not right in your face out of nowhere.
It's hard to imagine a better spooky story than that of the ship that vanished with all hands, then was found 50 years later with one sailor still at his post.
This is pretty much all the bodies lost in Lake Superior. It's so cold they don't decay much. All the bodies are on the Edmund Fitzgerald are still there too.
Respect to Old Whitey, whoever he may have been in life. Even death did not prevent him from manning his post. A dedicated sailor. For any divers who may have mistreated his body, I hope they know that Mister Rogers would not be proud of them.
I was born and raised in the hills and hollers of the Appalachian foothills, in the deep south, FAR from the great lakes. I don't even swim. But I am HOOKED on these ship documentaries...when I can't find one I haven't seen before, it's rough at first. The "oh, dang" moment. Then I take a deep breath and queue up one of the first ones I watched and watch it again. They are even better the second time.
Same story as so many lost on the lakes... the company pressuring the captain to make one last run to maximise the profits, often against the captains better judgement.
Folks who don't live in the parts of the country that see such weather probably don't realize how _brutal_ and _terrifying_ a true blizzard can be. 'White-out' may sound a charming phrase, but it's one of the most descriptive summaries of the visibility when you're caught in such a storm: beyond the short distance where you can see through the driving snow, there's just _nothing_ but the howling wall of white all around you. I've been caught in two different blizzards living over in Colorado, with several more I watched from indoors. They're _tame_ compared to the November Gales, but even so, there were times when I feared for my safety.
Lived in Oswego, just on the shore of Lake Ontario, for about three years. Your description is spot on. The only thing I can add is, my first year living there, I'll never forget the sensation of seeing what I can only describe as icebergs buffeting the shoreline during a particularly windy day (NOT a gale, mind). I don't know if I could describe it, per se. It was just a moment of realizing the terrifying power before me. I can't imagine being *on* the lake during a moment like that.
@Chord_ There's a saying that my granddad, lifelong baseball fan that he was, liked to bring out when bad weather rolled in: *"Nature bats last."* It really doesn't matter how much you think you're prepared for the worst that nature can throw at you -- when it steps up to the plate, you'd better _believe_ it's swinging for the fences, and woe to you if the bases are loaded. After your first brush with a natural disaster, you never forget to have an emergency kit ready. It's a profound experience that changes the way you see the world around you, I've found.
I live in Central IL - several hours south of the Great Lakes themselves and honestly a much less impacted area comparatively. Given some of the wild ass weather I've seen in my own lifetime and location? I can only imagine what the fury of Lake Superior in full blizzard must have been like... Nature will not hesitate to remind you how small you are when the mood strikes her.
I live in Ohio. Driving in a blizzard is a nightmare. Winter storms around Lake Erie are ENTIRELY different than in Southern Ohio; they're so much worse. The cold is colder somehow, even at the same temperature - and it gets SO MUCH colder around the lakes than it ever does south of Canton. A Great Lakes blizzard is absolutely terrifying, and I can't imagine trying to *sail* through one. 😞
This was a very interesting video of the SS Kamloops. I always enjoy the detail and storytelling you do in your videos. But, most importantly, you treat the victims of these unfortunate events with respect and dignity. That I respect.
I can listen to anything in the background; however it takes a very considerately made video with great character for me to break bread over and yours are perfect. Thank you.
Little Easter Egg: At 6:35 you can see a hanging gondola crossing the water behind the boat. That's the precursor to Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge, which sits on the same site. The Aerial Bridge gondola spanned the Duluth Shipping Canal and had a capacity of 60 tons to carry people (up to 350 people), carts, streetcars, or automobiles to cross the channel. A trip across took about one minute and the gondola would cross the channel as quickly as every five minutes during busy times of the day. The gondola structure was completed in 1905 and was replaced by the current lift bridge in 1930.
Wow. They stuck to the old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" for 2½ decades. That's actually pretty awesome and tells us just how well the Hanging Gondola worked for its intended purposes.
Very chilling tale. I appreciate you taking the time to acknowledge the individual people on these ships as they were no dofferent than us today. I do hope you make future stories about the Great Lakes. Another good survival story was the SS michigan which was trapped in ice on Lake Michigan in 1885 and a lone crew member, George Sheldon made the 15 mile trek for supplies for 7 weeks before the ship sank. All the crew survived but the icy conditions took George's Life 5 years later due to illness.
how is it that you can make me absolutely fall in love with a ship and subsequently break my little heart with her horrifying death? ive never heard of the Kamloops before today, and now i want to know everything about her. i adore this channel because you're an amazing storyteller, that opening gave me such chills. thank you so much for this video.
I'll say it again: as many Great Lakes Lore books as I've read during my life, you've managed to present information that I hadn't known before. Well done. Thank you for this respectful presentation.
your story telling skills are top notch. you may not have the fancy animations like some other channels, but your narrating and choice of clips used to compensate makes up for it!
fancy animations are often distractions anyways. Why draw a picture of Lake Superior when it's inferior to a photograph? Now, I say this as someone who loves how Plainly Difficult does them. BUT he does them because he's doing diagrams of things that no footage exists of... and.. he shows what real footage he can.
Kamloops was a victim of managers obsession with the numbers, putting their boats and crews at risk. This went for years, captains are pressured to keep going later in the year while the bigger boats were tied up for the winter.
Its still happens today across many different industries. Until we reach a point, in the far future, where we are free from the burdens of chasing capital, we will continue to exist in such a miserable state.
@@markhoffman3702 😴 oh look a pointless whataboutism. Pressure from management got those sailors killed that's just a fact. That's not even close to the amount of blatant examples on this channel alone.
This is one of the saddest and most poignant wreck stories from the Great Lakes....trying to imagine Alice's feelings as she wrote that last letter. RIP
This video has a pace to it that is reminiscent of floating in water and the tone of the narrators voice enhances the effect. It fits the subject matter so perfectly. Well done! Quality work as always.
WOW, your stories are so Awesome! I'm from Northern Michigan, my Dad sailed on the great lakes in the 60s. He was on Cason J Callaway, the same company as the Arthur M. Anderson, so have always been fascinated with big freighters. Thanks for all your great videos.
Good lord - Just when you think you’ve heard the bulk of the terrifying Great Lakes shipping disasters, here comes another that’s more tragic and eerie than the last. To think these people escaped the vessel, only to perish on land. Respect to them that braved the waters.
@@corvanna4438I am from Britain and it's very difficult to appreciate the size of the lakes, I saw lake Michigan on my only visit to the States, it's the sea, whatever way you look sky meets water, but it's just a lake you have to keep telling yourself, any storm out there would be just as vicious as any out on salt water, back home trying to convey the size is all but impossible, it's a very big place.
Alice Bettridge's story is heartbreaking... I would have thought there weren't too many young women working on cargo ships on the Great Lakes in the 1920s. The old girl must have been made of some tough stuff to be able to make her way in a harsh environment. But the fact that she actually survived the Kamloops' foundering, and made it to dry land on Isle Royale, only to be, at last, done in by the bitter cold just tears at my heart. I hope she is at peace now. RIP to Alice Bettridge and all of the crew of Kamloops.
You have a terrific feel for production. Your music choices are powerfully used and your story and pacing are tight. Always well done. Oh, and your voice? Perfect!
This is a great channel born in Cleveland moved to southern Michigan right off Lake Erie same as in Cleveland but until coming here had never knew about the history of the Lakers the thousand footers we saw them in Cleveland but moving to a small town were the highlights of the day sometimes are the ships passing learned so much more of the history
Can you do a video on the Matoa? My great grandfather was on the ship during the great storm. The ship ran aground and the hull was pierced by a boulder which actually saved the ship and the crew. Held it in place while the storm raged on.
I’m sometimes terrified when we drive over big waves in our Pontoon. I can’t even imagine the terrifying feeling that those poor souls were feeling. My heart breaks for them and their families. Thank you again for this incredible video that you deliver on point every time.
Since I've had Gordon on my mind for the last 2 days ... THIS ironically comes to mind ... *the searchers all say, she'd have made Whitefish Bay ...* as a harbinger of safety
From what it sounds like to me, Kamloops struck rocks on or near Isle Royale. I had no idea that her wreck was ever found, and so long ago at that. Ms. Bettridge's message shook me to my core. I can only hope that her family and those of her fellow sailors were able to find solace. May she and the rest of the Kamloops crew forever rest in peace.
Wonderful work as usual BOB - but as someone from the North Shore of Superior, I have to correct you that Agawa is pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable & all syllables distinct 'AG-ah-wah'
This really brings it hone the fact that these were just regular folks with moms and dad's and wives and children. The wedding ring emphasis's that clearly. Their hopes and dreams,what they were gonna do over the winter all ended. I've been to places such as these where a heaviness can certainly be felt. Not trying to get ghostlybut it is paltable
This was one of the best videos you’re put out. Absolutely complete research package. I’ve been following the Kamlops since I read my first shipwreck book in the probably 85. He didn’t find the engine room in the bow tho. Was the stern. Great video
That was a very moving documentary on the "Kamloops" The discovery of the ship itself in 1977, and the stewardess "nettie" and her letter..... i found very moving and, i must admit, a lump in my throat, as you told of knowing your own death was imminent. Tragic indeed. May all who died that night/morning Rest In Peace.
I hiked across Isle Royale several times in the 80's & even took a 14" boat around the southern half. Its a beautiful place to visit but lake Superior can be very treacherous at times. This is the first I have heard of this tragic event.
I have enjoyed diving on many of the wrecks around Isle Royal. The water is bone-numbing cold even in a dry suit. The wrecks are usually around 100 feet down making for short bottom time. Each one is a museum of that point in time. My personal favorites are America and the Monarch. On the Monarch, I swam up and over the port side rail and saw something white moving out of the corner of my eye. Ghost ship with a real ghost flashed in my mind. The ghost turned out to be a large lake trout hanging around the wreck. The America is a near-vertical wreck. The bow is in 3 feet of water and the stern is around 90 feet. She hit some rocks and the crew tried unsuccessfully to beach her. I do some wreck diving here in the Caribbean. You need to be more aware of who is living on the wrecks as not all critters are as benevolent as the trout.
I’m glad you decided not to show Old Whitey, since he is an actual person beneath all that gore. It’s nice to see that level of respect once in a while ❤️ 🌹
Thank you!!!!! I’m OBSESSED with the Kamloops and it’s one of the few shipwrecks that needs more coverage. These stories are all tragic, but the Kamloops is so vivid with all that video.
My parents were divers on the great lakes from the late 70s through the late 90s. I remember my father talking about the engineer stuck in the engine room. He described him as "the Michelin man". Apparently, he's still wearing the overalls he died in. They have kept him mostly contained. Still gives me the creeps.
A superb video and story. What on earth went through that poor girls mind when she wrote that letter is anyone's guess; my god! May the SS Kamloops crew rest in peace.
1000 horse power to move a 250 foot long steel freighter, laden with cargo. A great example of how seriously under powered these lake freighters were (are). It isn't that uncommon to find 1000 hp or more in the form of outboard motors hanging off the back of a modern day 36 ft sportfisher today.
WW2 Liberty Ships only had 2500 HP triple expansion steam engines and they were 441 feet long with 4 times the Tonnage of the SS Kamloops. These ships are intended to cruise, not race. Those old steam piston engines had a lot of torque and could turn big props. The big problem with Kamloops was she may have been covered with thick ice on top which made her unstable. Assuming her captain heard the horn signal from the ship ahead of him and attempted an emergency turn, she may have overturned during the maneuver-or at least assumed a severe deck angle which allowed a lot of water into the holds. Since a lifeboat was launched, the latter possibility seems more likely. That water up in Lake Superior is unbelievable cold even in the summer, in December it is deadly cold. A few minutes in that water and you're at massive risk of your heart stopping from low temperature induced shock, maybe that's why 'Old Whitey' whoever he is decided to take his chances by staying with the ship? RIP to the crew of SS Kamloops.
@@heyfitzpablum exc. point; that old sailor knew in the water and in those days no real survival suits he'd have very few minutes, whereas with the ship he MIGHT get lucky (as in Lord Jim in the gale, where the Cpt. abandons the ship and all the pilgrims start praying to Allah, and survived!!!)
This channel and content creator is in my 3 favorite producers of you tube content. I binged all his channels content. Thank you to Big ole Boats creator and his loyal patreon contributers. Appreciate y'all
Weird how there was enough time to get a lifeboat away, but still victims who drowned. I can’t imagine they’d stay behind. Isn’t that usually the case if water surprises them, from flooding or a breach in the hull?
Its so sad and fills me with a righteous anger towards these greedy companies that put a little bit of money over the lives of living, breathing people who as sentient understand tragedy, horror, feel pain an are aware of their eminent death. Theres a lot of other industries like this, but shipping has always been the true greedy, evil tyrants . Shame on these companies. Don’t even let their names pass your lips.
@tomwhent8073 Yeah, there was a museum which had things from Great Lakes wrecks and other wrecks on display. It was found by an investigation that they were taken illegally from the ships. Perhaps I'll try and find one of the wrecks that were plundered, there were a few of them. I believe this occurred in the 80s and 90s if memory serves me right.
Thank you for this detailed story. I sailed the Great Lakes on a number of ships, and I have a deep appreciation for the dangers. BTW, a “ghost ship” is one found afloat without her crew.
That note just the thought of how horrible it had to of been my heart bleeds and I hope they all find peace that is no way to die it's so scary that woman must been brave wow
Fleet Admiral Little, SIR! Another fine yarn. The steel in those Great Lakes Mariners of long ago was of a better grade than the brittle hulls of their vessels. A pox on those greedy owners, sitting warm in their fine homes. Slippers, pipe, easy chair, fireplace, dog and loving Wife! All while their sources of wealth are risking their lives, freezing and dying! All because of those forced late season runs. Respect and sympathy to all those who ever lost their lives on The Great Lakes. Melka J.F. BT3 B55 1853
its sad as sometimes we forget that there where real people who died i have been around a lot of death friends my parents my son and 2 months ago my big brother. what big old boats does is reminds of the human cost with all the diesasters cheers for your videos mate
If the bodies are so well preserved, then why did they not recover them and give those people back to their families and give them a proper burial? Given the state of preservation and the accessibility of the wreck, they should not be left there to be given nicknames by people diving the wreck. They deserve more respect than that.
Such a compelling story. I'm also glad to see that, out of respect for the dead, other diver explorers choose not to take photos of the frozen sailor whenever they visit the Kamloops.
You always set a very high standard but this is up there with your very best. A testament as to how career and business pressure pushed courage into foolhardiness, with the most tragic consequences. I would hope that doesn't happen now. But maybe it does.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
If I was that first diver on the Kamloops and I suddenly saw the mummified remains of Old Whitey floating right next to me, both of us far below the surface of Superior, my soul would instantly leave my body. Utterly terrifying.
Another Excellent presentation good Sir. The story of the SS Kamloops both saddens me and chills me to the bone. Over the years shipwreck images seem to give me the Woolys, haven't figured out why.
If you dive on a shipwreck that sank with all hands in a cold lake why would act surprised?
I would probably need a change of underwear but I suspect these divers are use and expect to see things like that when diving a wreck
@TheMainLead even with that knowledge in your head. Your not going to be prepared to see a preserved body in a wreck that has been down there for half a century.
@@TheMainLeadit's one thing to have the possibility in mind, right along with the possibility that all hands went overboard. After all, bodies were found on the island. And supposing there were bodies remaining on the wreck, one might expect to see any body from a distance, not right in your face out of nowhere.
It's hard to imagine a better spooky story than that of the ship that vanished with all hands, then was found 50 years later with one sailor still at his post.
This is pretty much all the bodies lost in Lake Superior. It's so cold they don't decay much. All the bodies are on the Edmund Fitzgerald are still there too.
@@MarianneKatnever thought about that. Kinda crazy
Respect to Old Whitey, whoever he may have been in life. Even death did not prevent him from manning his post. A dedicated sailor.
For any divers who may have mistreated his body, I hope they know that Mister Rogers would not be proud of them.
@@MarianneKat to quote the legendary Gordon Lightfoot;
"Superior they said, never gives up her dead."
@lsswappedcessna his name was Charles Perry.
Your endless freshwater Maritime docs are food for my Michiganian brain.
You and me both.
I was born and raised in the hills and hollers of the Appalachian foothills, in the deep south, FAR from the great lakes. I don't even swim. But I am HOOKED on these ship documentaries...when I can't find one I haven't seen before, it's rough at first. The "oh, dang" moment. Then I take a deep breath and queue up one of the first ones I watched and watch it again. They are even better the second time.
Same! Something about being local to all the great lake stories that make them extra fascinating vs ocean liner stories or battleships etc.
@@johncanthearyou To some perhaps... but well... some....
*Michigander
Same story as so many lost on the lakes... the company pressuring the captain to make one last run to maximise the profits, often against the captains better judgement.
Yep seems to be a pattern just 1 last run..................
Then the captain should have said no rather than putting his and other people's lives at stake.
Alice’s note is so heartbreaking. What an awful horrifying way to go.
Worse still is knowing her well-meaning crew mates did their best to save her... and failed.
Folks who don't live in the parts of the country that see such weather probably don't realize how _brutal_ and _terrifying_ a true blizzard can be. 'White-out' may sound a charming phrase, but it's one of the most descriptive summaries of the visibility when you're caught in such a storm: beyond the short distance where you can see through the driving snow, there's just _nothing_ but the howling wall of white all around you.
I've been caught in two different blizzards living over in Colorado, with several more I watched from indoors. They're _tame_ compared to the November Gales, but even so, there were times when I feared for my safety.
As an Australian, whose idea of snow is slightly slushy rain (I've seen proper snow rain twice in my 38 years), thanks for this context.
Lived in Oswego, just on the shore of Lake Ontario, for about three years. Your description is spot on. The only thing I can add is, my first year living there, I'll never forget the sensation of seeing what I can only describe as icebergs buffeting the shoreline during a particularly windy day (NOT a gale, mind). I don't know if I could describe it, per se. It was just a moment of realizing the terrifying power before me. I can't imagine being *on* the lake during a moment like that.
@Chord_ There's a saying that my granddad, lifelong baseball fan that he was, liked to bring out when bad weather rolled in: *"Nature bats last."* It really doesn't matter how much you think you're prepared for the worst that nature can throw at you -- when it steps up to the plate, you'd better _believe_ it's swinging for the fences, and woe to you if the bases are loaded.
After your first brush with a natural disaster, you never forget to have an emergency kit ready. It's a profound experience that changes the way you see the world around you, I've found.
I live in Central IL - several hours south of the Great Lakes themselves and honestly a much less impacted area comparatively. Given some of the wild ass weather I've seen in my own lifetime and location? I can only imagine what the fury of Lake Superior in full blizzard must have been like... Nature will not hesitate to remind you how small you are when the mood strikes her.
I live in Ohio. Driving in a blizzard is a nightmare. Winter storms around Lake Erie are ENTIRELY different than in Southern Ohio; they're so much worse. The cold is colder somehow, even at the same temperature - and it gets SO MUCH colder around the lakes than it ever does south of Canton. A Great Lakes blizzard is absolutely terrifying, and I can't imagine trying to *sail* through one. 😞
Big Old Boats is right up there with the best. It's not just the stories--fascinating as they are--it's the way you tell 'em.
This was a very interesting video of the SS Kamloops. I always enjoy the detail and storytelling you do in your videos. But, most importantly, you treat the victims of these unfortunate events with respect and dignity. That I respect.
Agreed entirely.
I can listen to anything in the background; however it takes a very considerately made video with great character for me to break bread over and yours are perfect. Thank you.
These lakes are as terrifying as the sea!!!
Love your channel, the sound design is on a whole other level!!!
I feel like the great lakes should be considered an inland fresh water sea.
@@AcaliahWolfsong They are!
@@AcaliahWolfsongthey only call them lakes cause there’s no salt in them
Little Easter Egg: At 6:35 you can see a hanging gondola crossing the water behind the boat. That's the precursor to Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge, which sits on the same site. The Aerial Bridge gondola spanned the Duluth Shipping Canal and had a capacity of 60 tons to carry people (up to 350 people), carts, streetcars, or automobiles to cross the channel. A trip across took about one minute and the gondola would cross the channel as quickly as every five minutes during busy times of the day.
The gondola structure was completed in 1905 and was replaced by the current lift bridge in 1930.
It actually wasn't replaced. They retrofitted the original structure to work as a lift bridge.
Wow. They stuck to the old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" for 2½ decades. That's actually pretty awesome and tells us just how well the Hanging Gondola worked for its intended purposes.
That small steel lighthouse is still there👌🏻
Very chilling tale. I appreciate you taking the time to acknowledge the individual people on these ships as they were no dofferent than us today.
I do hope you make future stories about the Great Lakes.
Another good survival story was the SS michigan which was trapped in ice on Lake Michigan in 1885 and a lone crew member, George Sheldon made the 15 mile trek for supplies for 7 weeks before the ship sank. All the crew survived but the icy conditions took George's Life 5 years later due to illness.
how is it that you can make me absolutely fall in love with a ship and subsequently break my little heart with her horrifying death?
ive never heard of the Kamloops before today, and now i want to know everything about her.
i adore this channel because you're an amazing storyteller, that opening gave me such chills. thank you so much for this video.
I'll say it again: as many Great Lakes Lore books as I've read during my life, you've managed to present information that I hadn't known before. Well done. Thank you for this respectful presentation.
your story telling skills are top notch. you may not have the fancy animations like some other channels, but your narrating and choice of clips used to compensate makes up for it!
fancy animations are often distractions anyways. Why draw a picture of Lake Superior when it's inferior to a photograph?
Now, I say this as someone who loves how Plainly Difficult does them. BUT he does them because he's doing diagrams of things that no footage exists of... and.. he shows what real footage he can.
@@marhawkman303 well i mean like ocean liner designs, he uses alot of animations
@@randomrazr also something you need diagrams for.
A very chilling open; and my heart goes out to the doomed survivors, for they had to know how slim their chances were.
Thanks!
Thank you!
Kamloops was a victim of managers obsession with the numbers, putting their boats and crews at risk. This went for years, captains are pressured to keep going later in the year while the bigger boats were tied up for the winter.
Its still happens today across many different industries. Until we reach a point, in the far future, where we are free from the burdens of chasing capital, we will continue to exist in such a miserable state.
@@susanvandenberg4273 Yep. Capitalism claims another victim.
Ever count the victims of communism?
@@markhoffman3702 😴 oh look a pointless whataboutism. Pressure from management got those sailors killed that's just a fact. That's not even close to the amount of blatant examples on this channel alone.
@@onebigadvocado6376 oh so RIGHTEOUS and enlightened….
This is one of the saddest and most poignant wreck stories from the Great Lakes....trying to imagine Alice's feelings as she wrote that last letter. RIP
I wish your videos came more often; however, I understand the greatness that is your product takes time. Thank you.
You and ocean liner design should work together, you guys have amazing channels and a duo video would be so good.
Seriously it’s a collaboration that’s way overdue!
Oh my god, yes PLEASE!!!!🙏 ...That video would be a banger! We need our friend Mike Brady to collab here!!!
Hear! Hear!
Yes. The one he did with Brick Immortar was real good.
Part Time Explorer is great too.
This video has a pace to it that is reminiscent of floating in water and the tone of the narrators voice enhances the effect. It fits the subject matter so perfectly. Well done! Quality work as always.
WOW, your stories are so Awesome! I'm from Northern Michigan, my Dad sailed on the great lakes in the 60s. He was on Cason J Callaway, the same company as the Arthur M. Anderson, so have always been fascinated with big freighters. Thanks for all your great videos.
Good lord - Just when you think you’ve heard the bulk of the terrifying Great Lakes shipping disasters, here comes another that’s more tragic and eerie than the last. To think these people escaped the vessel, only to perish on land. Respect to them that braved the waters.
One story... of thousands.
The lakes are full of stories of bravery, foolish decisions, sorrow, and triumphs.
@@corvanna4438I am from Britain and it's very difficult to appreciate the size of the lakes, I saw lake Michigan on my only visit to the States, it's the sea, whatever way you look sky meets water, but it's just a lake you have to keep telling yourself, any storm out there would be just as vicious as any out on salt water, back home trying to convey the size is all but impossible, it's a very big place.
@CrusaderSports250 the Lakes are huge. They are definitely awesome in size and power
fun fact: the word kamloops comes from the secwépemc word "tk'emlúps" meaning "where the rivers meet"
Every time I come back to this channel it's always such a delight to hear your voice. I forget how great it is at times.
Alice Bettridge's story is heartbreaking... I would have thought there weren't too many young women working on cargo ships on the Great Lakes in the 1920s. The old girl must have been made of some tough stuff to be able to make her way in a harsh environment. But the fact that she actually survived the Kamloops' foundering, and made it to dry land on Isle Royale, only to be, at last, done in by the bitter cold just tears at my heart. I hope she is at peace now. RIP to Alice Bettridge and all of the crew of Kamloops.
I've been waiting for someone to cover this story; I'm glad it was you!
Lake Superior is a remarkable testament to the far frontier of human endeavour. That people live/lived under such conditions is almost beyond belief.
Great and accurate storytelling, from a former Great Lakes sailor.
You have a terrific feel for production. Your music choices are powerfully used and your story and pacing are tight. Always well done. Oh, and your voice? Perfect!
This is a great channel born in Cleveland moved to southern Michigan right off Lake Erie same as in Cleveland but until coming here had never knew about the history of the Lakers the thousand footers we saw them in Cleveland but moving to a small town were the highlights of the day sometimes are the ships passing learned so much more of the history
Can you do a video on the Matoa? My great grandfather was on the ship during the great storm.
The ship ran aground and the hull was pierced by a boulder which actually saved the ship and the crew. Held it in place while the storm raged on.
Point Aux Barques lighthouse has a museum dedicated to the storm and my family has donated artifacts and knowledge to the museum.
What a wonderful telling of such a sad story. I love your videos, so we'll made and with empathy towards those who lost their lives 💙🩵💙
I'm from Erie PA, the snow storms are unreal.
I’m sometimes terrified when we drive over big waves in our Pontoon. I can’t even imagine the terrifying feeling that those poor souls were feeling. My heart breaks for them and their families. Thank you again for this incredible video that you deliver on point every time.
Your videos are some of the best. Keep it up.^^❤
Since I've had Gordon on my mind for the last 2 days ... THIS ironically comes to mind ... *the searchers all say, she'd have made Whitefish Bay ...* as a harbinger of safety
The images, videos, and background music you use are phenomenal. They have a very macabre vibe, it really resonates with me. Suuuubscribe 🔥
From what it sounds like to me, Kamloops struck rocks on or near Isle Royale. I had no idea that her wreck was ever found, and so long ago at that. Ms. Bettridge's message shook me to my core. I can only hope that her family and those of her fellow sailors were able to find solace. May she and the rest of the Kamloops crew forever rest in peace.
Love this channel
Same fr amazing background videos for work/games, I’m love it
I appreciate what you do brother
Just love the narating and back ground music...the way your docs are split into chapters...
Wonderful work as usual BOB - but as someone from the North Shore of Superior, I have to correct you that Agawa is pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable & all syllables distinct 'AG-ah-wah'
So moving and respectfully done--many thank-you's for your treatment of this history...
Your deep dives of ships I’ve not heard of are the best. I listen to and from work anytime there is a new video. Keep up the great work 😊
This really brings it hone the fact that these were just regular folks with moms and dad's and wives and children.
The wedding ring emphasis's that clearly. Their hopes and dreams,what they were gonna do over the winter all ended.
I've been to places such as these where a heaviness can certainly be felt. Not trying to get ghostlybut it is paltable
Great channel, I am from mich. and I love these stories. Well done sir.
This was one of the best videos you’re put out. Absolutely complete research package. I’ve been following the Kamlops since I read my first shipwreck book in the probably 85. He didn’t find the engine room in the bow tho. Was the stern. Great video
That was a very moving documentary on the "Kamloops" The discovery of the ship itself in 1977, and the stewardess "nettie" and her letter..... i found very moving and, i must admit, a lump in my throat, as you told of knowing your own death was imminent. Tragic indeed. May all who died that night/morning Rest In Peace.
I hiked across Isle Royale several times in the 80's & even took a 14" boat around the southern half. Its a beautiful place to visit but lake Superior can be very treacherous at times. This is the first I have heard of this tragic event.
I have enjoyed diving on many of the wrecks around Isle Royal. The water is bone-numbing cold even in a dry suit. The wrecks are usually around 100 feet down making for short bottom time. Each one is a museum of that point in time. My personal favorites are America and the Monarch. On the Monarch, I swam up and over the port side rail and saw something white moving out of the corner of my eye. Ghost ship with a real ghost flashed in my mind. The ghost turned out to be a large lake trout hanging around the wreck. The America is a near-vertical wreck. The bow is in 3 feet of water and the stern is around 90 feet. She hit some rocks and the crew tried unsuccessfully to beach her. I do some wreck diving here in the Caribbean. You need to be more aware of who is living on the wrecks as not all critters are as benevolent as the trout.
Masterfully done video, you are extremely talented!
your narration with the picturesand movies from the past was riveting..this was by far, the best video yet...haunting ..
I’m glad you decided not to show Old Whitey, since he is an actual person beneath all that gore. It’s nice to see that level of respect once in a while ❤️ 🌹
Thank you so much I really enjoy your stories.
Thank you!!!!! I’m OBSESSED with the Kamloops and it’s one of the few shipwrecks that needs more coverage. These stories are all tragic, but the Kamloops is so vivid with all that video.
First Ask A Mortician and now Big Old Boats - now I want all my favourite RUclips channels to cover this event
The compassion in his voice is honorable :)
It's always a shame when profits are put ahead of the ship and it's crew. But at least the crew can now rest knowing their final resting place.
My parents were divers on the great lakes from the late 70s through the late 90s. I remember my father talking about the engineer stuck in the engine room. He described him as "the Michelin man". Apparently, he's still wearing the overalls he died in. They have kept him mostly contained. Still gives me the creeps.
So well done, thank you for creating this--you have a fan in Duluth!
Another excellent video good sir. Rest in peace to all those lost on the SS Kamloops.
Is a native from Michigan I am intrigued by this channel... Eat captivates me
Once again you outdid yourself with 'true' Canadian tales from the past.
Excellent sir
A superb video and story.
What on earth went through that poor girls mind when she wrote that letter is anyone's guess; my god!
May the SS Kamloops crew rest in peace.
I'm guessing she was expecting to freeze to death before morning.
@@marhawkman303 Yes, I agree.
You know it's a good morning when Big Old Boats posts! Let's go!! Now I can learn more maritime stories while on the metro.
Love your content man❤❤❤❤
1000 horse power to move a 250 foot long steel freighter, laden with cargo.
A great example of how seriously under powered these lake freighters were (are).
It isn't that uncommon to find 1000 hp or more in the form of outboard motors hanging off the back of a modern day 36 ft sportfisher today.
WW2 Liberty Ships only had 2500 HP triple expansion steam engines and they were 441 feet long with 4 times the Tonnage of the SS Kamloops. These ships are intended to cruise, not race. Those old steam piston engines had a lot of torque and could turn big props. The big problem with Kamloops was she may have been covered with thick ice on top which made her unstable. Assuming her captain heard the horn signal from the ship ahead of him and attempted an emergency turn, she may have overturned during the maneuver-or at least assumed a severe deck angle which allowed a lot of water into the holds. Since a lifeboat was launched, the latter possibility seems more likely. That water up in Lake Superior is unbelievable cold even in the summer, in December it is deadly cold. A few minutes in that water and you're at massive risk of your heart stopping from low temperature induced shock, maybe that's why 'Old Whitey' whoever he is decided to take his chances by staying with the ship? RIP to the crew of SS Kamloops.
@@heyfitzpablum exc. point; that old sailor knew in the water and in those days no real survival suits he'd have very few minutes, whereas with the ship he MIGHT get lucky (as in Lord Jim in the gale, where the Cpt. abandons the ship and all the pilgrims start praying to Allah, and survived!!!)
This channel and content creator is in my 3 favorite producers of you tube content. I binged all his channels content. Thank you to Big ole Boats creator and his loyal patreon contributers. Appreciate y'all
Well done. Very well done I didn't know anything about this ship and the way you told it was very human and touching
Weird how there was enough time to get a lifeboat away, but still victims who drowned. I can’t imagine they’d stay behind. Isn’t that usually the case if water surprises them, from flooding or a breach in the hull?
Thank you so much for the story and video. Well done!
One of the most creepy ship wrecks out there, turned sideways on a hillside, everything perfectly preserved and with mummies floating by....
Respect to the crew
I live in Kamloops, BC. Had no idea about this ship. Guess im learning about it tonight before a 4am flight.
Been waiting to see her show up on here! Thank you friend!
Its so sad and fills me with a righteous anger towards these greedy companies that put a little bit of money over the lives of living, breathing people who as sentient understand tragedy, horror, feel pain an are aware of their eminent death.
Theres a lot of other industries like this, but shipping has always been the true greedy, evil tyrants .
Shame on these companies. Don’t even let their names pass your lips.
Chilling! Literally & Figuratively!
A museum stole the ring off his finger. Shame on them.
Let me guess, the Great Lakes Historical Society or whatever that got busted looting dozens of sunken ships?
I call archeologists "grave robbers"...
Which museum? I hadn't heard this before.
@tomwhent8073 Yeah, there was a museum which had things from Great Lakes wrecks and other wrecks on display. It was found by an investigation that they were taken illegally from the ships. Perhaps I'll try and find one of the wrecks that were plundered, there were a few of them. I believe this occurred in the 80s and 90s if memory serves me right.
The ring was taken from a body entombed on the SS Superior City by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum of Whitefish Point.
Thank you for this detailed story. I sailed the Great Lakes on a number of ships, and I have a deep appreciation for the dangers. BTW, a “ghost ship” is one found afloat without her crew.
That note just the thought of how horrible it had to of been my heart bleeds and I hope they all find peace that is no way to die it's so scary that woman must been brave wow
Another wonderful video. Thank you for all your remarkable research, presentation and work.
Man, I love this channel. Thanks for the work you do!
Fleet Admiral Little, SIR!
Another fine yarn. The steel in those Great Lakes Mariners of long ago was of a better grade than the brittle hulls of their vessels. A pox on those greedy owners, sitting warm in their fine homes. Slippers, pipe, easy chair, fireplace, dog and loving Wife! All while their sources of wealth are risking their lives, freezing and dying! All because of those forced late season runs.
Respect and sympathy to all those who ever lost their lives on The Great Lakes.
Melka J.F. BT3
B55 1853
its sad as sometimes we forget that there where real people who died i have been around a lot of death friends my parents my son and 2 months ago my big brother. what big old boats does is reminds of the human cost with all the diesasters cheers for your videos mate
Definitely up there on the creepy scale. Interesting video and ship. It's worth replaying next Halloween. Another well-made video.
I absolutely love your work. I'm always really happy when I see you've posted another nautical masterpiece. Cheers mate!👍👍👍
Wonderful video, as always ❤
Absolutely love these great lakes videos. Thanks Big Boats!
Well... some of us do know that exact feeling. But I get what you're saying. poetically said.
That was a good one!!!! Thank you!!!!!👍👍👍👍
Always first rate presentation. Thank you!
"What's a man gotta do to get a day off around here?" ~ Old Whitey, still at work for nearly a century
Hope the crew and old whitey find peace in Lake superior's ice water mansion.
If the bodies are so well preserved, then why did they not recover them and give those people back to their families and give them a proper burial? Given the state of preservation and the accessibility of the wreck, they should not be left there to be given nicknames by people diving the wreck. They deserve more respect than that.
Such a compelling story. I'm also glad to see that, out of respect for the dead, other diver explorers choose not to take photos of the frozen sailor whenever they visit the Kamloops.
You always set a very high standard but this is up there with your very best. A testament as to how career and business pressure pushed courage into foolhardiness, with the most tragic consequences. I would hope that doesn't happen now. But maybe it does.
Excellent as always. Thxu
Awesome! My all-time favorite shipwreck story! Thanks!
Outstanding 👍