 An inquiry was begun to ascertain the cause of the disaster with the investigation headed by John D. Sloane who held the office of Inspector of Steam Vessels.He was assisted by Captains George B. Knapp and Charles F. Yeager who were two local inspectors from Galena, Illinois board along with Captains John Monahan and Michael F. Chalk from the Duluth, Minnesota board who would also take affidavits from the survivors of the accident as part of the investigation.During the inquiry it was found that while the previous captain of the "Sea Wing", Captain H.C. Fuller, was licensed for excursion trips of up to 175 passengers.