The CSL Regina was built in Dumbarton, Scotland by A. McMillian & Son, in 1907. The order was placed by C.H.F. Plummer of Montreal, Quebec. In 1911 CSL Regina was transferred to the Canadian Lake Transportation Company. In 1912, CSL Regina was transferred to the Canadian Steamship Lines Incorporated.
On November 9, 1913 the CSL Regina was heading north of Sombra, Ontario. During the night one of the worst storms in Great Lakes history arose. The CSL Regina made it to Point Aux Barqes, Michigan when the winds reached approximately 90 mph. The waves ranged up to 50 feet. Due to the stress, the ship made an 8-minute turn. Since the CSL Regina was top-heavy with a load of sewer pipes. The turn became much more treacherous for CSL Regina.
The CSL Regina began heading south towards Port Huron, Michigan. Around Harbor Beach, Michigan the CSL Regina hit a shoal. As the vessel was taking on water, the crew decided to anchor approximately 7 miles east of Lexington, Michigan. All power was shut down. The ship was evacuated with the exception of the captain.
After the evacuation a distress whistle was sounded which was heard from Lexington, Michigan. Within 35 minutes of anchoring the CSL Regina capsized and sank. She took the captain to the bottom of Lake Huron with her. Near Port Franks, Ontario, two bodies were found with a capsized lifeboat from CSL Regina. Another 10 bodies were found on the beach a short distance away. Apparently, there were no survivors from CSL Regina.
Sailors initially theorized that the CSL Regina collided with the Charles S. Price, another ship sunk in the storm, as some of the bodies of the Charles S. Price's crewmen were wearing lifebelts from the CSL Regina. This theory was dismissed after the Charles S. Price was found on the bottom of Lake Huron; a diver confirmed that the ship was the Price and that the ship showed no signs of being in a collision.
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