Wreck of the S.S. Victoria

Datec. 1881

MediumEmulsion

Credit LineGift of Mr. Ken McTaggart, 1978

Object number1978.010.011

Label TextThe first passenger vessel was launched on the Thames River in 1878. Steamboats operated on the river, running regular trips through the summer between Downtown London and Byron. One of the vessels was the steamer Victoria. The Victoria capsized on the Thames River near present-day Greenway Park on Victoria Day (May 24), 1881. The overcrowded steamer was on its way back downtown from Springbank Park. Something caused the passengers to rush to one side of the vessel. It listed and then the boiler rolled off its mount. Falling debris crushed some. Others drowned. Approximately 200 passengers died, most women and children. Following the disaster, Londoners were reluctant to support the riverboat system, and trips fully stopped in 1899.

NamePrint, Photographic