Komagata Maru

On May 23, 1914, the steamship Komagata Maru arrived in Coal Harbour after a seven week crossing from Hong Kong via Japan. It was carrying 376 Indians from India and the Far East who claimed the right of entry as citizens of the British Empire. Most of the passengers were not permitted to land under the "Continuous Passage Order" and other prejudicial regulations that prevented Indian immigration. While supporters campaigned for the passengers' right to disembark, the ship remained anchored approximately one kilometre offshore. During this time, the Khalsa Diwan Society helped supply the passengers with food and water. On July 23rd, the Komagata Maru and its passengers were escorted out of the harbour by a Canadian navy vessel and sent back to India. The Komagata Maru incident was a catalyst for change to Canadian citizenship and immigration laws.

British Columbia · Canada