[1] While tornadoes had occurred earlier in the evening farther north in the Twin Cities area, it is believed that downburst winds from a thunderstorm were the cause of the accident.

[6] The safety equipment carried consisted of 175 wood floats, 175 cork and tube life preservers, six axes and seven lifeboats with 28 oars.

The First Regiment of the Minnesota National Guard's summertime encampment, named Camp Lake View, was scheduled to be held at that time.

[9][10] On the morning of the excursion, 13 July 1890, the Sea Wing left Diamond Bluff, Wisconsin, at 7:30 am for its trip to the encampment south of Lake City towing a covered barge named the Jim Grant, which would carry a number of the day's passengers.

He turned the Sea Wing to meet the storm but a large wave struck the ship, tilting it at a 45-degree angle.

[14] Accusations of drunkenness, overloading of the ship and heading out over objections that the weather conditions were unsafe were leveled against Captain Wethern, as well.

[16] 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.

[23] Following the inquiry, it was reported on August 11, 1890, that Captain Wethern's license as master and pilot was suspended for "Unskillfullness" in his operation of the vessel.

[17] Charges were never filed against Captain Wethern following the release of the report, however,[4] and his return to sailing was hailed by his peers, who continued to feel he had been unfairly treated up until his death on April 22nd, 1929.