The Sinking of the Princess Sophia

200346 min 30 secFilm: Documentary

G

Direction: Alain Vézina

Production: Michel T. Prévost

Script: Alain Vézina

Produced by Merlin Films Enr.

This title is an acquisition.

This documentary explores the events surrounding the greatest maritime tragedy in the history of the Pacific coast, the sinking of the Princess Sophia.

The Canadian Pacific steamer had left Skagway, Alaska, on October 23, 1918, on its way to Vancouver, when a fierce blizzard hit. The ship veered off course and ran aground on a reef. Despite the proximity of several other ships, the harsh weather prevented any evacuation attempt. Almost 48 hours later, the Sophia slipped off the reef and sank. The following morning, rescue ships faced the terrible evidence: only the tip of its mast was visible. None of the 353 passengers and crewmembers survived.

Archival photos, 3D animation, exclusive interviews and underwater photography relate an important chapter of maritime history, while vividly portraying a place and time.

Availability


Subject categories


  • Transportation > Boating and ShippingBoatsWater Safety and Emergency Measures
  • History - Canada - 1867-1919 > Transportation
  • Safety > Water Safety

Credits


producer
Michel T. Prévost
writer
Alain Vézina
director
Alain Vézina
director of photography
Jean Kavanagh
Jean-Luc Potvin
art direction
Jean-Pierre Vallée
Yves Bérubé
3D animation
Jean-Luc Potvin
original illustrations
Jean-Pierre Vallée
Yves Bérubé
original music
Réjean Doyon
underwater photography
Dennis Lanham
narration
Luc Pilon
additional voice
Joseph D'Urso
Ron O'Brien
Allan Lento
Isabelle Pagé
dramatic reenactment
Yves Bérubé
Marc Blanchet
Alain Essiembre
Charles Farrel
Philippe Lemieux
Danielle Paré
Yvan Roy
Jean-Pierre Vallée
interviewee
Syd Locke
Betty O'Keefe
Ian MacDonald
research
Alain Vézina
Michel T. Prévost
translation
Alain Essiembre
special consultant
Sue Bibeault-Cliche
camera operator
Jean-Luc Potvin
lighting
Marc Blanchet
Éric Gagné
crane operator
Marc Blanchet
modelmaker
Jean-Pierre Vallée
props
Yves Bérubé
Jean-Pierre Vallée
prosthesis
Mario Soucy
off-line editor
Michel T. Prévost
online editor
Jean-Luc Potvin
sound fx editor
Serge Drolet
sound recording
Serge Drolet
post-production audio
Jean-Luc Potvin
production assistant
Guillaume Boivin
Alain Essiembre
Julie Gendron
Philippe Lemieux
Raymond L'Abbé
David Meleshko
Danielle Paré
Yvan Roy
production secretary
Sylvie Thibault