Survivors
Even though the Empress went down in only 14 minutes, 465 people survived. The majority of the survivors were crew members, each aptly trained in emergency drills. Also on board were 167 Salvation Army members on their way to the Army's Third International Congress in London. Only 26 members of the group were rescued.
Tom Smart. Photograph courtesy of the Empress of Ireland Artifacts Committee.
Tom Smart medal. Royal Alberta Museum, Western Canadian History collection
You can view a detailed list of passengers and crew members aboard Voyage 96, eastbound, leaving Quebec City May 28, 1914.
This list was compiled by Geoff Whitfield. He is always willing to hear from descendants and to receive alterations to the list at ttatp@blueyonder.co.uk. As Geoff explains: "I have managed to create such a large passenger database that I've been able to put previously unknown family members in touch with one another."
last review/update: Feb. 6, 2009
