S3.E6: Sinking of the SS Caribou (feat. Tyler Humby)

Season 3, Episode 6

Title: The Sinking of the SS Caribou

Guests: Tyler Humby

Time: 42 minutes

Locations: Port aux Basques

Story: The Sinking of the SS Caribou

Listen:

About The Episode:

Part One: The Sinking of the SS Caribou

A ferry packed with families, soldiers, and crew. A midnight crossing through enemy waters. And a German U-boat waiting in the darkness.

On October 14, 1942, the SS Caribou was torpedoed in the North Atlantic, sinking in just minutes. What followed was a desperate fight for survival in freezing waters—and an unforgettable story of bravery, tragedy, and resilience.

Join us as we uncover the night the Caribou went down.

Part Two: A Chat With Tyler Humby

Tyler Humby is a rising folk musician bringing Newfoundland’s history to life through song. His latest work, The Caribou, blends fact and fiction to tell the story of two lovers aboard the SS Caribou on the night of its tragic sinking. On October 14, 1942, the passenger ferry was torpedoed by a German U-boat while travelling between Sydney and Port aux Basques. More than 130 people were lost.

With The Caribou, Tyler puts a human face on history, reminding us that every life lost was more than just a name—each had a story, a family, and dreams of their own.

Since launching his career in 2023, Tyler has made a name for himself on Newfoundland’s music scene. He placed 2nd in the 2024 Newfound Talent Contest and is currently performing regularly at venues across the eastern half of the province.

Tyler joins Strange Truths and Tall Tales to talk about The Caribou and his musical journey.

Check out Tyler Humby’s performance at Harbourside Park (including his rendition of Joe Batts Arm Longliners.

Listening Options

You can listen to the episode here or on your favourite platform.

Sound Credits

  1. BGSaSc Water Beach Ocean Waves Constant Splashing Rocks Many Small Waves Greece 16, Profispiesser, Freesound.org, Creative Commons 0

  2. Submarine Sonar, Martian, Freesound.org, Creative Commons 0

  3. Big Explosion, Lowpolygon, Freesound.org, Creative Commons 0

Sources & Further Reading

  1. The Sinking of the SS Caribou, Product of Newfoundland

  2. Sinking of the Caribou, Newfoundland Heritage

  3. Margaret Brooke, The Canadian Encyclopedia

  4. HMCS Margaret Brooke, Canada.ca

Robert Hiscock

Robert grew up in a tiny Newfoundland community called Happy Adventure. These days he lives in Gander, NL and his happiest adventures are spent with his two Labrador retrievers exploring the island while listening to a soundtrack of local music.

When the dogs are napping Robert takes photos, writes about Newfoundland, and makes a podcast.

https://productofnewfoundland.ca
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S3.E5: Mar Falten, Fanny Goff!