The return trip was scheduled to leave between 5 - 6 pm that evening but the national guard had scheduled a dress parade for the visitors. Captain Wethern agreed to delay the departure, after being asked by a number of passengers, until after the parade at 7 pm. Shortly after the parade began the weather conditions changed and began to look ominous. Captain Wethern began sounding the ship's whistle to recall the passengers and by 8 pm the passengers were on board and the ship was made ready to leave. The captain had been advised to delay his departure by other river men, because they felt that a storm was heading their way, but Captain Wethern felt that the weather looked like it was clearing. The "Sea Wing" left port and headed on to its first stop at Lake City. A half hour into the voyage Captain Wethern noticed a gale heading toward them from the Minnesota shore. He turned the "Sea Wing" to meet the storm but a large wave struck the ship tilting it on a forty-five angle. While still tilted the ship was struck by strong winds that capsized the ship.