QUICK SUMMARY
Eve Lazarus, a North Vancouver author, explores the Empress of Ireland shipwreck in her new book, "Beneath Dark Waters." The 1914 disaster, which claimed 1,012 lives, remains the worst peacetime maritime tragedy in Canadian history, overshadowed by events like the Titanic sinking. Lazarus highlights the personal stories of ordinary Canadians affected by the tragedy.
Eve Lazarus, a North Vancouver author, reveals the tragic history of the Empress of Ireland shipwreck in her new book, "Beneath Dark Waters." The 1914 disaster remains Canada's worst peacetime maritime tragedy, with 1,012 fatalities, more than the Titanic. Lazarus contrasts the Empress's ordinary passengers with the Titanic's wealthy elite, emphasizing the need to remember their stories. Her investigation began when she researched a survivor, uncovering inaccuracies in historical accounts that prompted her to delve deeper into the lives of other survivors. The book highlights connections to British Columbia, where many passengers hailed from, including 39 individuals who boarded that fateful night. Lazarus describes the emotional impact of standing above the shipwreck on a boat ride, inspiring her to chronicle these untold stories. She argues that the Empress holds equal importance to the Titanic in shaping Canadian maritime history. The book not only serves as a reminder of the tragedy but also as an exploration of the legacy it left behind.