Canadian Arctic Expedition 1913, HMCS Karluk

Canadian Arctic Expedition 1913, HMCS Karluk

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3407944)

HMCS Karluk, icebound, Oct 1913.  Karluk was an American-built brigantine which, after many years' service as a whaler, was acquired by the Canadian government in 1913 to act as flagship to the Canadian Arctic Expedition.  While on her way to the expedition's rendezvous at Herschel Island, Karluk became trapped in the Arctic pack ice and, after drifting for several months, was crushed and sank in January 1914.  Of the 25 aboard (crew and expedition staff), eleven died, either during the attempts to reach land by marching over the ice, or after arrival at the temporary refuge of Wrangel Island.  Several designations have been applied to the ship after her acquisition by the Canadian government, including "HMCS" (His Majesty's Canadian Ship),"DGS" (Dominion Government Ship), and "CGS" (Canadian Government Ship).  It is not clear whether the "HMCS" designation was formal or informal; HMCS is used for Royal Canadian Navy ships.  Although Karluk sailed under a non-navy captain and with a non-navy crew, she flew the Canadian Blue Ensign, the jack of the Royal Canadian Navy.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3407943)

HMCS Karluk, icebound, Oct 1913.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3611364)

HMCS Karluk.

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