Empress of Ireland, a Tragedy, a Murder, a Mistress and a Curse ... with Captain Darrell Walton

The story of the RMS Empress of Ireland is still the worst peacetime maritime disaster in Canadian history...and the mighty luxury liner never even made it out of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Bound for Liverpool, England from Quebec City, Quebec, 1,012 people perished in less than a half hour after the SS Storstad, in heavy fog, rammed the starboard side of the Empress creating a huge gash in the side of the hull. With 60,000 gallons per second pouring in, Captain Henry Kendall had just 14 minutes to deal with the unfolding nightmare. Join me, the History Mystery Man and Captain Darrell Walton as we uncover the stories that surround the Empress including the story of Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen who put a curse on Captain Kendall years before the Empress went down. Crippen had allegedly murdered his wife and ran off with his mistress aboard the SS Montrose, Captained by none other than Captain Kendall himself. You'll enjoy this one ... a tragedy, a murder, a mistress and a curse. Thanks for your support! HMM

[@JohnnyLaps]

Snacks,Diet coke,Don and Capt.Darrell...roll em! I'm in!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Now that's a winning combo! What kind of snacks? Thanks again, Johnny...HMM

[@JohnnyLaps]

@@HistoryMysteryMan well the ones that are bad for you,of course.!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Nice...my favorite! HMM@@JohnnyLaps

[@Bluecollarwelderdad]

Love these episodes you have put together you and capt Darrel Are the perfect pair to share great lakes history

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated! Stop by anytime...HMM

[@rogerozdarski2935]

WOW! I had never hear of this. It's unbelievable that it sunk that fast and so many lives lost. You and Captain Darrell are quite a team. Thank you both for bring these stories to us.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I had never heard of it either until Capt. D. brought it to my attention. Just had to sneak it in before racing season. Thanks again my friend...HMM

[@LyleJr]

Had never heard of the Empress. Thank you both for sharing. Keep these stories coming.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Lyle; we appreciate you...HMM

[@rileybridgham1963]

The Empress of Ireland needs to be talked about more and you and Captain Darrell are bringing the story to life, I'm loving these episodes, I can't wait for the next video adventure.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Riley...we appreciate you. HMM

[@toddgilmore8412]

As a Canadian, I would like to say Thank You so much for covering the Empress Of Ireland! And as you say, she was truly Canada's Titanic. The Empress sank too fast for her safety features to be fully operational. Unlike the Titanic, she in fact had enough lifeboats for all onboard but could not launch them in time. Many of her W/T doors which operated manually, could not be closed due to the ship listing quickly and sharply. For more information on diving the wreck of the Empress of Ireland, I recommend the book "Dark Descent" by Kevin McMurray. Sadly the loss of the Empress of Ireland was soon forgotten in history due to the outbreak of WW I.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Todd. It's funny how fast we forget. And yes, WWI definitely upstaged the Empress, but the same is true of the Eastland and the Titanic...although the Titanic story was soon resurrected, but not so much for the Empress and Eastland. Great points on the water tight doors. I'm definitely going to check out that book! HMM

[@jimross6094]

Thanks for this. I could listen to Captain Darrel all day.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yeah...he's the best. Thanks for your support...HMM

[@meanmetalmike666]

Video on the Lusitania & Britannic Sinkings 😊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for your suggestions; I'll ask Capt. D about those...HMM

[@robertayers9424]

Another fascinating tragic story. Always great when the two of you get together! Thanks again

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You got it, Robert...thanks for being here. HMM

[@critterscute3642]

Like so many, never heard of this. Capt. Darrell, you’re so very good at explaining things in layman’s terms. When I use the term “our signals must have gotten crossed,” it will certainly have deeper meaning behind it now. Wow. So many people. So many children. So many mistakes and a curse on top of it all. The terrifying last minutes for those aboard 😞❤️. Thanks again, HMM and Capt. Darrell, for bringing these stories to us in a way that only you two can!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again critterscute3642 .Capt. D. has a way of telling the stories so we can all understand...it's a gift. And he's super compelling and interesting to boot. HMM

[@jasonphillips3146]

I'm a truck driver, but Love when y'all tell these stories. I especially like the ones on the Edmond Fitzgerald.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Jason; we love our truck drivers delivering all those essentials! We'll see if we can do more on the Mighty Fitz! HMM

[@greggrauscher34]

I do remember reading an article about the Empress of Ireland several years a go, but my knowledge of the tragedy was very limited. This is video is definitely very informative and explains the cause of the disaster in very understandable terms. Thank you HMM and Capt. Darrell for helping keep the memory of the Empress alive. I think that's very important considering that 1012 people perished. May they all rest in peace and not be forgotten.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Greg or Gregg...not sure which is the proper spelling? We always appreciate your feedback. Keep it comin! HMM

[@greggrauscher34]

No problem HMM, will do! The correct spelling of my name is Gregg, my Mom didn't want me to be called Gregory so she added the extra g at the end.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Extra g works for me...thanks. HMM@@greggrauscher34

[@merlynjohnson1621]

Another great video!! You two make an amazing duo. All the while keeping the memory and integrity of the deceased in the most respectful manner..

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Merlyn...so appreciated. Stop by anytime...HMM

[@penelopejoann]

Yeah! My favorite shipwreck story from the Edwardian era. ❤ The survivor stories are absolutely gut wrenching. If you get the chance opportunity, you HAVE to watch “Lost Liners,” (2000) with THE Rob Ballard. This documentary solidified my love of the great ocean liners. You will not be disappointed. It’s on KZbin 😊 I also have to give props to the Canadian government for how they have handled the wreck site. Their response to human failure by making laws protecting cultural heritage is inspiring. I’m thinking because Ballard dove on this site he likely pushed for the Empress to be protected under this cultural law?? I know he is really big on keeping wreck sites preserved because they are graves. This definitely helps our understanding of the mighty Fitz and how we can reshape our attitudes towards the mishandling of the wreck site by authorities. Excellent job guys ❤❤

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Penelope. I will definitely check out Lost Liners based on your recommendation. Also going to look up the Edwardian era...never heard that reference before; I'm learning a lot from you. Points well taken on the preservation of wreck sites; you have to respect that. Always appreciate your feedback and support. HMM

[@elroyelblander6277]

👍👍 another riveting, tragic tale by you two gentlemen..your channel is growing.. thanks for everything feller ...see ya later👍👊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Growing...slowly, but growing, which is a good thing. Trying to figure out how to speed it up! Thanks again, Elroy...HMM

[@toddsgreatoutdoors4226]

I'm loving that Skynard shirt before I've even finished watching this! ❤

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Oh I know...who doesn't love Skynyrd! "Simple Man..." Thanks again, Todd...HMM

[@p.k.5455]

Your videos should be required viewing for students! Best history teachers, the Great, Great Lakes Captains! Keep rockin the boats guys, we love rollin with you!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Wow! Thanks...this has got to be one of the most rewarding compliments we've ever received here; thanks for your high praise and trusting in us to teach. Thanks again...HMM

[@p.k.5455]

@HistoryMysteryMan you are very welcome, and your videos are not only informative but captivating as well! It is a pleasure to be able to watch such well done and interesting content. So I'd say we are the ones rewarded in having your channel available to us!!! Captain Awesome with the History Mystery Master!!! Should be a comic book🤔😀

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Man I love your comic book idea. You oughta see some of the cutting room floor stuff that doesn't make the movies!@@p.k.5455

[@p.k.5455]

@HistoryMysteryMan you could do b roll comics. That'd be pretty cool!

[@apancher]

Incredible stories once again! I could see the crew surviving better simply due to familiarity with the ship itself, and also training in what to do in these situations.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Good points...makes perfect sense on the crew. Thanks again, apancher. HMM

[@toddsgreatoutdoors4226]

Incredible story, guys. Please keep it going! 😊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yes sir...thanks! HMM

[@josephsimeon6117]

Another great video from you and Captain Darrell. Your channel has become one of my favorites HMM. Learning about naval history from two great Captains is truly a good time.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Joseph; we appreciate your feedback and support! HMM

[@ole5539]

Once again gentlemen, raising the standard ever higher...excellent work, always well presented. Many thanks!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're always welcome; thanks again! HMM

[@rbb1949]

👍👍 another great video Don. I could listen to stories from you and captain Darrell all day.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again...we appreciate you! HMM

[@user-kg4eb7nl5b]

Crazy is this all happened a few miles off shore .. have read you would have been able to see the lights on the Quebec shoreline ... another great presentation its a dangerous wreck to dive . river is running so fast by the tine you come back up you are miles downstream

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...I had never thought about the problem of the current; thanks for bringing that up. If you're not careful, you'd end up in the North Atlantic. Thanks again...HMM

[@bradystalbaum2392]

Thank you gentlemen for the history and keeping it alive!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're always welcome Brady; thanks again...HMM

[@jefferymatthew2776]

Thank you for another great session I try to catch everyone

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Jeffery...always appreciated. HMM

[@beberle9641]

A very tragic and story and you guy's do a great job telling us about it. Thanks Brian

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You got it Brian; thanks again my friend. HMM

[@johnfry9010]

Wow what a story , never heard of this accident , Thank you both for this video , we should never forget these things !

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks John...so appreciated. HMM

[@tonyratai6051]

Thanks again for your historic videos. Keep em coming.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Tony; thanks for your support! HMM

[@danielmcfadden1]

Wow, another tragic story! I like that black and white fade to color of Captain D at the beginning……Va Va Voom😂 …..Thanks fellas, great video!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Va Va Voom! Gotta love Capt. D's humor...harmless, old-fashioned and down to earth. Thanks again, Daniel...HMM

[@robertataylor371]

Thank you for the education. I knew of that wreck but no specifics. I love Cpt Darrell and his point of view.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Robert; thanks for your support! HMM

[@user-sd8yj2uq2o]

You both make such great observations of these incidents. I look forward to each episode you bring out. Keep up the great work!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again...we appreciate you...and keep it comin! HMM

[@matthewcosta780]

They spoke to each other by megaphones after they hit. They were trying to coordinate their engines to keep the hole plugged but they were stuck at running speed and they separated. The watertight doors were manually operated by hand crank, and she was hit in the engine room. This all sealed her doom, she couldn't stop in time and the water rushed in that much faster, plus the current was very swift which contributed to them separating and water rushing in.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Super interesting Matthew. Thanks for explaining all that...makes perfect sense. We forget how great the current is there...which is why it's so hard to dive on her. Keep your content comin! HMM

[@gilliankingston8259]

Same happened with the "RMS Olympic" and "HMS Hawke" (which was equipped with an underwater ram designed to disable enemy ships). There is a picture of the damage inflicted upon the "RMS Olympic" by "HMS Hawke", the damage was considerable although thankfully "RMS Olympic" did not sink.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

That's interesting...I didn't know that about the Olympic or the Hawke. Thanks for sharing that here! HMM

[@joshua4960]

@captain Darrel Walton your the man!! Thank you Hmm

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Joshua; thanks for your support! HMM

[@garymckee8857]

Fantastic artwork you presented in this video. Thanks.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Gary...so appreciated. HMM

[@zaydenspeechley1882]

Awesome, I learned some new things. Always love your vids man, so easy and chill to watch, had a really bad week this week, got a new phone and sold my old one and the bloke who bought it scammed me with a fraudulent cheque but your video cheered me up so thank you

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome. I'm sorry you came across a bad person, but it's rewarding to know that I helped cheer you up...that's super-cool. Thanks! HMM

[@ronyantz7349]

Checkin in !

[@graziellaricci715]

Me too. Luca.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Ron...this place is always better off when you check in! HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Glad to have you here...thanks! HMM

[@georgeadams8230]

These are so interesting, sad too. Thanks for posting.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome George; thanks for taking the time to watch! HMM

[@michaelnault5905]

My first time hearing about this. Thanks to you guys!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Michael...HMM

[@justinwalker3374]

Another awesome story guys. Keep up the great work

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Justin; we appreciate your support. HMM

[@J.R.in_WV]

Have you ever read any of the Dirk Pitt books by Clive Cussler? “Night Probe” is the 6th book in the series and features the Empress of Ireland as a major point in the story. It’s based around fictional characters but like usual he gets a lot of the history right and they are just fun books to read. That one book alone features the empress, a ghost train, a lost historical document that could change the entire world power structure, romance, murder and plenty of underwater antics by secret agents in Scuba gear.

[@darrellwalton938]

I have all of Clive Cusslers books, and have read most of them numerous times. Always entertaining!

[@matthewcosta780]

Kevin McMurray's book about the Empress, Dark Descent is great as well. Tells the story about salvage efforts, and diving the wreck, artifact retrieval, deaths diving her. Saw a video about the Fitz and theories on her sinking and gave a shout-out to this channel as well as the series of books about her and other Great lakes wrecks by Michael Schumacher.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Matthew! We appreciate your 'shout-out'. It all helps a lot. I'm going to Google that book you mentioned. HMM

[@wesadams7831]

Great video Don. Love all the photos your able to find that add to the tales.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Wes...always appreciated. I believe it's all the images that bring these movies to life. HMM

[@glenncooper3524]

Capt. Darrell!!!!! And Don!!! Immediate thumbs-up and comment. Now to watch lol😂 Edit: ya 14 minutes is nothing. Its a miracle as many survived . Plus i imagine the lights went out pretty fast trying to feel your way out trying to carry kids and wife, nevermind the other passengers. 😢

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

It was the perfect storm without the storm. I can't imagine the horror they went through. God bless all those families. Thanks Glenn! HMM

[@gjm5959]

Nice work guys. Informative and interesting as hell. Such a tragedy. HMM, Your videos are the best

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated. HMM

[@JohnnyLaps]

Don maybe you and Capt.Darrell.could give us a few min on the cargo ship disaster in Baltimore.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Johnny; I'll ask Capt. D about this...see what he says. HMM

[@JohnnyLaps]

@@HistoryMysteryMan what a nightmare Don.Question..why the hell did the tugs leave her side as she worked her way towards the bridge??Don you are a tug guy,could they have created a buffer of sort,or is she too damn big?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Very good question. It would have been at the pilot's discretion as to when to cut the tugs loose. I suppose once the tugs got her turned and pointing straight down the channel, the pilot felt he had it under control. He could not have known what was coming. With ships having so much more maneuverability than they used to, tugs have been needed less and less, but guess what...the tug boat business is about to get a lot stronger/healthier. Thanks...HMM @@JohnnyLaps

[@JohnnyLaps]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I should say so! My question is more than pulling or tugging could the tugs have served as kind of a bumper car where are these cargo ships too massive for something like that?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well...I wouldn't want to be on a tug in between a fully-loaded, 1000-ft. cargo ship and a giant concrete support pillar. But...tugs could have kept him off the bridge for sure.@@JohnnyLaps

[@matthewcosta780]

When I first visited the South Fork dam site of the Johnstown flood, my wife and I could feel the death and destruction and pain, it felt like we couldn't breathe and felt very tired and heavy. Places like that the energy from the disaster seems to linger.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

No doubt...I felt that same way when I was there. Not only felt heavy at South Fork, but all over Johnstown. So hard to believe it ever happened. Thanks again...HMM

[@MissTerri207]

@matthewcosta A lesser known but no less destructive dam break is the Austin Dam Disaster September 30, 1911. My father was the town historian up until his death in 1999. In fact, he was a storyteller like our good Captain Darrell. I inherited most of his collection of photographs from the disaster.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Never heard of that one...I'll check it out...thanks! HMM@@MissTerri207

[@jamesmccarthy5086]

Thank you for sharing this harrowing story. I’ve heard very little about this ship before and thank you for bringing it to us. I feel inspired because I want to do what you guys do one day! Bring history to others! How did the Captain of the Empress survive? He had to have felt terrible for being a survivor when so many died.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, James. Good news is...anyone can do what we do. If you can talk, you can do it! All you need is a cell phone and a laptop or desktop computer. Captain Kendall survived because, for starters, he was on the Bridge and not trapped down below. And he made it to a lifeboat. HMM

[@jamesmccarthy5086]

@@HistoryMysteryMan wow. I thought he might’ve been blown out by the pressure. I have the cell phone part but that’s it for now, but I certainly can talk!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

If you can talk, you're in! HMM@@jamesmccarthy5086

[@jamesmccarthy5086]

@@HistoryMysteryMan if it’s stuff I’m interested in, I can! Mostly to myself though lol. I’ve never had the chance to show it off, but hope I can one day!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I say...go for it!@@jamesmccarthy5086

[@gjm5959]

No way I could have worked on a ship. Too damn scary.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I hear you. I had many terrifying nights...too many to recall. Thanks again...HMM

[@matthewcosta780]

There's a book about the Titanic's Great Lakes connection. You should do a video about that.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Now that's interesting...had no idea. I'll check it out! HMM

[@MacGregor.]

Second viewing ". Much respect to you, and Mr Walton.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again...two viewings...that's huge! Most don't get all the way through one. Much respect to you...HMM

[@MacGregor.]

@@HistoryMysteryManyes Sir thank you Continuing in succession now.. God bless.

[@jeremymcmanus6624]

YES!!! More nautical history with HMM and Cpt. D!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Jeremy; we appreciate your support...HMM

[@user-kg4eb7nl5b]

a bizarre piece of the Great Lakes history ... look up the HMS St. Lawrence walk tall & carry a big stick lol

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...I'll Google that. HMM

[@rickpackman5721]

My great grandparents come over from England 5 mounths fefore the titanic on the Empress of Ireland.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Wow! Not that's a great story. That could be an entire video. Do you have any pics of your great grandparents? Thanks Rick...HMM

[@zeikinkorea]

Quite a tragedy

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Absolutely...it's why we remember. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@atomicwedgie8176]

1st? Gonna buy myself a hangover, I guess.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Ha! It'll be worth it! Thanks for your support...HMM

[@jakefishinohmyyyy]

What song are those bagpipes in the intro from?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Getting ready to reveal that. Boggles my mind because it's so easy to find...thanks! HMM

[@donhall6051]

What is the name of the song playing at beginning

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I shall reveal soon. It boggles my mind because it's so easy to find...thanks. HMM

[@Peter.w]

I thought I had a book on the Empress of Ireland but is is the Empress of Britain .. my mistake sry HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

No worries; I'm always glad to hear from you. HMM

[@brentrussell780]

I enjoy your videos with the captain so much now the opening celtic music makes my spine tingle when I hear it! When Capt. Darrel talks about feeling the spirituality of the area where the Empress went down.. I could feel a slight heaviness too. I can sense energy almost everywhere I go though.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Brent...so appreciated. Of all the questions we get, questions about the celtic music are the most frequent. Capt. D has a keen sense for spirituality...gotta love that. HMM

[@brentrussell780]

@@HistoryMysteryMan you guys are so lucky to live in an area with such rich and deep history. Not much of those tales of old and mysteries here in Manitoba lol. A great lakes mystery that has captivated me since I was a young book nerd is the ancient copper mines on Isle Royale and across superior to the south on the Michigan Peninsula. The copper culture went as back as 7500 BC... and ended over 3000 years ago. Over 500,000 tons of copper is estimated to have been mined out of the area. Who was there mining all that time? Where did all that copper go? Copper of the same make up has been found in ancient burial sites in Ireland and throughout the mediterrainian. The academics tell us it was native americas who mined it, but they were never mining anywhere else in north america we know of. And why did they suddenly stop mining there around 1000 bc dispite consisant occupation of the great lakes regions up until first european contact with native tribes? The evidence points to cross atlantic trade long long before columbus sailed.. such a fascinating subject. And like many other things that remain a mystery, someone is at work to keep the truth in the dark.

[@MissTerri207]

​@@brentrussell780I'm glad to hear that you appreciate the Spiritual elements too. I'm from Northcentral PA. My favorite weekend destination is Gettysburg. The only place I can not go is The Wheatfield. It's simply too much and I'm unable to "block" that energy.

[@brentrussell780]

@@MissTerri207 ive never been to Gettysburg. But had family on both sides of the battle so Ive studied it in depth. I cant imagine what it was like. The hot july sun beating down, pain and death all around. The wheatfield is likely the bloodiest piece of ground at Gettysburg. The punchbowl shape of the battlefield made for a bloody battle that ebbed and flowed based on who held the high ground. One side would start losing and get pushed back to the high ground.. then they would have the advantage and push back on the side in the bottom.. back and forth.. for 2 hours. Theres likely alot of confused souls still wandering that area.. the ground really meant nothing.. it held no real strategic value.. both sides just met and massacred each other really for nothing on that field. I cant imagine how it would feel to walk that field with that energy there.

[@350mack]

How did i get unsuscribed

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I have no idea. Hopefully, you'll re-subscribe...thanks! HMM

[@MikeHunt-fo3ow]

not to brag but im not a captain and i can crash a ship too.....if i could figure out how to start it lol......is there a button in the pilot house? or in the engine room? do i need a key? lol

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Ha! Maybe a hand crank? Thanks for being here! HMM

[@bobvalentine8927]

Keep those videos coming

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yes sir Bob...thanks again. HMM

[@prettyoddissy]

Hello from Minnesota! Love your vids 😊❤

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Hey there Minnesota; I'm sooo glad you're here! Thanks for taking the time to watch...stop by anytime. HMM

[@Blrtech77]

HMM and Capt. Walton, another amazing maritime history lesson. Thank You for All Your Time and Hard but Enjoyable Work!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're always welcome; thanks again! HMM