CAPRY

The Capry was the smallest of the Viking boats to reach Canada in 1948. Little is known about its journey or its passengers but 28 people, mostly Latvians but also Estonians, sailed on the 55-foot-long (17 meters) former German coastal military boat. 

According to an interview by Latvian passenger Ernests Kraulis to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, the Capry had sunk but it was raised and refurbished. The boat was fitted with a 50-HP diesel engine, far too small for a transatlantic voyage. It also had a mast and sails, but Mr. Kraulis said these were not used during the journey. 

The Capry left Göteborg, Sweden, at 9 a.m. on July 6, 1948. On July 15, after three days and two nights of stormy weather, the boat reached Falmouth, England, docking next to some Middle Eastern tankers. The captain of one of the ships gave the refugees as much diesel fuel as the Capry could carry. On July 21, the boat set course for Flores island in the Azores, arriving August 3. After two days, the Capry continued its journey, finally docking in Halifax on August 20, after 46 days at sea. 

The boat was severely damaged when it arrived in Canada. There were no food supplies left and just one barrel of fuel oil remained. Despite the difficult circumstances, the Halifax Herald reported, “a smiling, hardy group of Estonians and Latvians landed…after completing a six-week voyage in a 44-ton, 55-foot schooner from Sweden.” 

All the passengers were allowed to remain in Canada. 

Known crew and passengers:

• Ernest Kraulis, his wife, Rute (Ruth) Kraulis, their children, Olaf, 5, and John, 5 months
• Elizabete (Elizabeth) Henning (Rute’s mother)