The SS Capilano is one of British Columbia’s top dive sites. The 122 foot long cargo steamship struck a submerged object at approximately 9:25pm on the night of September 29th, 1915. Captain Nelson was not immediately informed of the strike, as it was so soft crew members believed the vessel just hit a log, a common occurrence in BC waters. It was only when he heard the ship’s whistle echo off an island – in just 5 short seconds, that he realized something was seriously wrong, and the ship had veered off course.
The Captain steered the vessel towards a small port where the Capilano was inspected from bow to stern… no leaks. Nothing. Nada. Captain Nelson decided the voyage would continue. Around 1:30am on October 1st, 1915, the ship was felt to be listing to port. The crew were stunned to find around 2 feet of water already on board. It is thought that when the Capilano struck the submerged object, possibly a rock, it became wedged into the hull, like a cork. Sometime later, it worked it’s way free and the water poured in. At around 3am, the crew abandoned ship in a large lifeboat. According to testimony, the SS Capilano finally sank below the waves at approximately 5:30am on October 1st, 1915. The ship lay undisturbed for around 60 years before it’s discovery by a fisherman in 1975. The site of the SS Capilano is now known as one of the very best dive sites in British Columbia. Sitting in 130 feet of seawater the wreck is just within the limits of recreational diving, and is a fantastic dive, and training site for technical divers. The SS Capilano is covered with life. If one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, then one Captain’s shipwreck is a diver’s gold mine. The SS Capilano is a giant, colourful condominium of pacific marine life at it most vibrant and healthy. A stunning site for photographers and videographers. The cargo hold – now a giant open area to freely descend slowly into, like the belly of a beast, is a site to behold. Shining a light in the corners as you go, you’ll see a dozen or more lingcod scatter like rats in all directions. It’s quite simply stunning; the life here is insane! Rockfish are in abundance of course. No BC site would be the same without our little punk rocker friends, with some occasional large ones dotted around, but general numbers are reassuringly positive. Dive charters to the SS Capilano can be booked through Pacific Pro Dive & Marine Adventures. It's one of our favourite sites, with a rich mixture of history, marine life and adventure. Only beneath BC! |