The H.L. Hunley was a submarine built by the Confederate States of America in 1863, during the American Civil War. Two tragic mishaps during testing resulted in the deaths of 13 crewmen in Charleston Harbor, including its namesake, Horace Lawson Hunley. The Hunley was finally put into action in 1864, when it successfully ventured into the Atlantic Ocean, and rammed the USS Housatonic with its spar torpedo, and sank her. The Hunley was the first submarine to ever sink an enemy ship. But the submarine disappeared with its 8 crewmen, and its location remained a mystery for over a hundred years. Today, the HL Hunley resides at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston, South Carolina. This episode explores the history of early semi-submersible and submersible vessels, and the gradual development of submarine technology, including the Confederate built David class vessels, the Pioneer, American Diver, and finally the HL Hunley. This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tCpgWaw0P4U Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music for Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs by ⁠Sean Sigfried⁠. Go AD-FREE by becoming a Patreon Officer's Club Member! Join at ⁠https://www.patreon.com.shipwreckspod⁠ Join the Into History Network for ad-free access to this and many other fantastic history podcasts! ⁠https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod⁠ Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Merchandise is available! ⁠https://shop.shipwrecksandseadogs.com/⁠ You can support the podcast with a donation of any amount at: ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod⁠ Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs ⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠ ⁠Follow on BlueSky⁠ ⁠Follow on Threads⁠ ⁠Follow on Instagram⁠ ⁠Follow on Facebook⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The American sailing vessel Adriatic collided with the French steamship Le Lyonnais on November 2, 1856, off the coast of Nantucket in what can best be described as a maritime hitand-run. Adriatic’s captain, Jonathan Durham, rendered no aid and left the passenger steamship to fend for herself. 114 people died in the collision and in the days that followed. In August of 2024, Jennifer Sellitti, her partner Joe Mazraani, and a team of explorers discovered, dived, and identified the wreckage of Lyonnais on the eastern edges of Georges Bank. The book includes an epilogue that chronicles what it takes to chase shipwrecks far from shore in the often-punishing North Atlantic, the search for and discovery of Le Lyonnais, and how it changed their lives. Author of "The Adriatic Affair: A Maritime Hit and Run off the Coast of Nantucket" and part of the team that discovered the wreck of Le Lyonnais, Jennifer Sellitti joins me as my guest. This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n_pvh7oj-xs Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music for Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs by Sean Sigfried. Go AD-FREE by becoming a Patreon Officer's Club Member! Join at https://www.patreon.com.shipwreckspod Join the Into History Network for ad-free access to this and many other fantastic history podcasts! https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Merchandise is available! https://shop.shipwrecksandseadogs.com/ You can support the podcast with a donation of any amount at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Subscribe on YouTube Follow on BlueSky Follow on Threads Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first in a planned series of future episodes about the world's most well-known lighthouses. The enormous Lighthouse of Alexandria is the most famous lighthouse of all time, and stood for 1500 years on the shore of Alexandria, Egypt, and It is one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Hook's Lighthouse in Ireland is over 1200 years old and is the oldest, intact, operational lighthouse in the world. The Eddystone off the coast of England has gone through numerous iterations, dating back to the 1600's. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. All episodes, images, and sources can be found at shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Go AD-FREE by becoming a Patreon Officer's Club Member! Join at https://www.patreon.com.shipwreckspod Join the Into History Network for ad-free access to this and many other fantastic history podcasts! https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Merchandise is available! https://shop.shipwrecksandseadogs.com/merch You can support the podcast with a donation of any amount at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Subscribe on YouTube Follow on BlueSky Follow on Threads Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. Navy brig Somers was part of an experimental apprentice program to teach young men, mostly teenagers, to be naval officers. During a return voyage to Africa in 1842, Captain Alexander Slidell Mackenzie learned of a mutiny plot, orchestrated by Philip Spencer and other young crewmen. Spencer was the son of Secretary of War John Spencer, and already had a reputation as a troublemaker. Acting swiftly, Mackenzie ordered the execution of the alleged ringleaders, Philip Spencer, Samuel Cromwell, and Elisha Small. The event sparked a heated debate about naval discipline, the potential miscarriage of justice, and the proper handling of mutiny, led by famed author James Fenimore Cooper. The incident was one of the factors in the establishment of the United States Naval Academy in 1845. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. All episodes, images, and sources can be found at shipwrecksandseadogs.com. For AD-FREE listening, please consider becoming a Patreon Officer's Club Member! Join at https://www.patreon.com.shipwreckspod Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Merchandise is available! https://www.bonfire.com/store/shipwreckspod/ You can support the podcast with a donation of any amount at: https://shop.shipwrecksandseadogs.com/merch Join the Into History Network for ad-free access to this and many other fantastic history podcasts! https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Subscribe on YouTube Follow on BlueSky Follow on Threads Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pleasure yacht Wawinet sank on September 21, 1942, in Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada. The Wawinet was owned by retired NHL defenseman Bert Corbeau who played for the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Corbeau was Plant Supervisor at Midland Foundry and Machine Company, of Midland, Ontario, and he was taking the workers out for an evening boating excursion. Corbeau was an experienced captain and knew the waters and channels very well. The Wawinet suddenly listed over and took on water, just south of Beausoleil Island, and began taking on water. 25 of the 42 men on board, including Corbeau, perished in the accident. To this day, there are still many questions about what caused the Wawinet to sink. Joining me for this episode are Bert Mason of Penetanguishene, Ontario, and Brien DesRochers of Parkhill, Ontario, whose relatives died on the Wawinet on that day. It remains one of the worse tragedies in Great Lakes History. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. All episodes, images, and sources can be found at https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/12/13/the-mystery-of-the-wawinet/ For AD-FREE listening, join the Officer's Club on Patreon! Join at https://www.patreon.com.shipwreckspod Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Merchandise is available! https://www.bonfire.com/store/shipwreckspod/ You can support the podcast with a donation of any amount at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Join the Into History Network for ad-free access to this and many other fantastic history podcasts! https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs: Subscribe on YouTube Follow on BlueSky Follow on Threads Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(This episode was oiginally released in January of 2023.) On the evening of January 28, 1980 the United States Coast Guard cutter Blackthorn was leaving Tampa Bay on its way to its home base in Galveston, Texas. It was a cool, calm, and pleasant night as the Blackthorn headed out. At the same time, the SS Capricorn was inbound to the bay. Through a series of missteps and miscommunications, the Blackthorn and Capricorn collided almost head-on, killing 23 Coast Guardsmen. Rich's wife Dawn joins the show again as a guest. For photos and sources related to this episode please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2023/01/24/the-uscgc-blackthorn/. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. For ad-free listening... Become a Patreon Member at https://www.patreon.com/shipwreckspod Subscribe to the Into History network at https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod You can support the podcast in any amount at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod. To follow on social media, please visit https://bio.link/shipwreckspod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus Episode from La Fayette, We Are Here! podcast. This particular conflict goes by multiple names and definitions. While it is globally recognized as the Seven Years' War, it is more commonly referred to in America as the French and Indian War, and in Canada as the War of Conquest. These wars are all interconnected and are part of a vast global struggle between the two superpowers of the mid-eighteenth century: France and Great Britain. Considered by many as the first true world war, it continues to reverberate even today. Embark on a historical journey, with Louis XV, Madame de Pompadour, the Marquis de Montcalm, and general Wolfe as our guides, to examine "the Great French Disaster."  Created and hosted by Emmanuel Dubois. Find and subscribe to La Fayette, We Are Here! on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. All episodes, show notes, and transcripts can be found at https://www.lafayettepodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the midst of increased tariffs and enforcement of the Navigation Acts, an angry group of merchants, plantation owners, and residents of Providence, Rhode Island slipped out under the cover of darkness on June 10, 1772, and boarded HMS Gaspee. After a short battle, the Rhode Islanders burned the British vessel, and shot and wounded its commander, Lt. William Duddingston. The Gaspee Affair, as it came to be known, was the result of increased tensions between colonists and the British government. My guest for this episode is Michael Troy, of American Revolution Podcast. Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. For images and sources, please visit https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com/the-burning-of-hms-gaspee/ For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod Buy some Merch! Follow on Facebook, Threads, Instagram, and BlueSky: @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 13th of January, 2012 the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia struck a rocky outcropping off the coast of Italy. The ship lost power and propulsion, and came to rest on its starboard side, just meters from the island of Giglio. Panic and chaos ensued on board, with over 4000 passengers and 1000 crew. Captain Francesco Schettino altered the planned course of his ship to perform a sail-by salute, close to Giglio, without informing Costa operations. His mistress, Moldovan dancer Domnica Cemortan, was on the bridge at the time of the accident. Twenty-seven passengers and five crew were killed in the accident, and countless more were injured. Schettino and other deck officers abandoned the helpless ship well before all the passengers were off the ship, earning him the nickname, "Captain Coward." Voice actors: Dawn Napolitano: Andrea Davis, passenger Marwan Saidi: Commander Gregorio DeFalco, Italian Coast Guard Allen Nail: Captain Francesco Schettino Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. For images and sources, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/12/10/the-costa-concordia/. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod Buy some Merch! Follow on Facebook, Threads, Instagram, and BlueSky: @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus Episode from La Fayette, We Are Here! podcast. The Nouvelle France (New France) is the French colonization of North America. Over a couple of centuries, the French established settlements all over North America, especially along the St. Lawrence and Mississippi River but also in Nova Scotia, Florida, Louisiana and more. New France existed from the first adventures of Jacques Cartier in 1534 to the end of the Seven Years' War in 1763 and the signature of the treaty of Paris, that saw France lose most of its American possessions. It is a remarkable, violent, tragic and perennial story. Created and hosted by Emmanuel Dubois. Find and subscribe to La Fayette, We Are Here! on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. All episodes, show notes, and transcripts can be found at https://www.lafayettepodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Royal Tar was a Canadian steamship built in 1835. On October 25, 1836, the ship was on voyage from Eastport, Maine to Portland, Maine. On board were 72 passengers, 21 crew, and a large caravan of animals that were part of a traveling menagerie. The caravan included horses, lions, camels, a tiger, birds, reptiles, and even an elephant. when the ship's boiler ran dry due to a leak. When the boiler became red hot, it ignited the timber and supports above. The crew was unable to control the fire, and were forced to save themselves. Panic ensued, with passengers, crew, and terrified animals trying to avoid the fire. Animals and people jumped overboard, in a horrifying scene. 32 people and all of the animals except for 2 horses perished. For images and sources, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/11/26/royal-tar/. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod Buy some Merch! Follow on Facebook, Threads, Instagram, and BlueSky: @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food aboard ships during the Age of Sail (roughly from the 16th to the 19th centuries) was far from luxurious, chosen for its durability rather than flavor or nutritional value. Sailors were at sea for extended periods with no refrigeration, so provisions had to withstand long voyages. The cuisine was monotonous, barely edible, and nutritionally deficient by modern standards. Sailors endured long periods of hunger and boredom over these meals, but advances over time, such as adding lemon or lime to prevent scurvy, improved their overall diet somewhat. Joining Rich for this episode is the creator and host of The History of American Food Podcast, Greta Hardin. For images and sources, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/11/12/danderfunk-salt-junk-and-scurvy-cuisine-aboard-ships/ For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod Buy some Merch! Follow on Facebook, Threads, Instagram, and BlueSky: @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Princess Sophia was a Canadian passenger steamship that tragically sank on October 25, 1918, after striking Vanderbilt Reef in Lynn Canal near Juneau, Alaska. Caught in a severe snowstorm with strong winds and poor visibility, the ship ran aground and was unable to be evacuated due to worsening weather. Despite rescue ships waiting nearby, conditions prevented any safe transfer of passengers. When the storm intensified, the Princess Sophia broke apart and sank, killing all 353 people on board, making it the worst maritime disaster in the history of the Pacific Northwest. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano Original theme music for Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs by Sean Sigfried. Go AD-FREE by becoming a Patreon Officer's Club Member! Join at https://www.patreon.com.shipwreckspod Join the Into History Network for ad-free access to this and many other fantastic history podcasts! https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Merchandise is available! https://shop.shipwrecksandseadogs.com/ You can support the podcast with a donation of any amount at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Subscribe on YouTube Follow on BlueSky Follow on Threads Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Captain Samuel Francis Knowles began his career on the sea at a very young age, honing his skills as a teenager aboard ships out of Boston. He would go on to captain several ships including the Norway and the Mary S. Ames. Captain Frank survived a fire on board the Norway, with all hands saved, and a hurricane that sank the Mary S. Ames. Throughout his years on the seas, Captain Frank had many adventures, and his legacy lives on through his ships' logs, diaries, and notes. Captain Frank's great-great-granddaughter Amy Giannotti joins me as my guest. Amy is an environmental scientist, scuba diver, and Director of Development for Schoolyard Films, a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2008. For images and sources, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/11/05/a-sailors-tale-captain-frank-knowles/. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 9, 1862, David Henry White was kidnapped at sea from the United States merchant ship Tonawanda by Captain Raphael Semmes of the CSS Alabama. The young man was from a free, black family of Lewes, Delaware, and was employed on the Tonawanda by the Cope Line as a passenger cook. Dr. Andrew Sillen, author of Kidnapped at Sea, discusses the story of David Henry White, his life while enslaved on the CSS Alabama, and the Lost Cause myth proliferated by the memoir of Semmes. For images and sources, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/10/19/kidnapped-at-sea-david-henry-white/. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Skeleton Coast of Namibia is infamous for the countless shipwrecks scattered along its shores, a haunting reminder of the treacherous conditions mariners have faced for centuries. Thick, unpredictable fogs, strong Atlantic currents, and hidden sandbars have made navigating this coastline perilous, often leading ships to run aground. Some of the wrecks, dating as far back as the early Portuguese explorers, remain visible today, slowly being reclaimed by the sands. The coast earned its name because of these wrecks and the skeletal remains of whales, seals, elephants, and even humans found on its shores. Notable shipwrecks, like the Dunedin Star and Eduard Bohlen, offer a glimpse into the tragic history of those who sailed too close to the Skeleton Coast. The Dunedin Star ran aground in 1942, prompting a dramatic rescue operation, while the Eduard Bohlen, stranded in 1909, now rests eerily in the middle of the desert due to shifting sands. These wrecks, partially buried and weathered by time, have become iconic landmarks, drawing adventurers and history enthusiasts alike to this isolated coastline. The haunting presence of these wrecks is a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature in this remote and desolate region. For images, sources, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/10/06/the-skeleton-coast/. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ocean Ranger disaster occurred on February 15, 1982, when the semi-submersible offshore drilling rig sank off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, in the North Atlantic. A severe winter storm caused massive waves and hurricane-force winds, leading to water breaching the rig’s ballast control room. A series of mechanical and human errors in handling the flooding worsened the situation, and eventually, the rig capsized. Tragically, all 84 crew members on board died, marking the worst disaster in Canadian offshore oil exploration history. For images, sources, and a list of the Ocean Ranger's crew, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/09/19/the-ocean-ranger-disaster/. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ships of the Crusades Joining me for this episode is Dr. Nicholas Morton, Associate Professor with the School of Arts and Humanities at Nottingham Trent University. Dr. Morton has written many books, including The Mongol Storm: Making and Breaking Empires in the Medieval Near East. The Crusades were a series of religious wars initiated by European Christians between the 11th and 13th centuries, aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim control. These campaigns involved significant military efforts that spanned several decades, resulting in ongoing conflicts between European powers and Muslim territories in the Middle East. The Crusaders relied heavily on reinforcements, supplies, and communication from Europe, making maritime logistics essential for their campaigns. As many of the Crusades targeted areas like the Levant, which bordered the Mediterranean, control of sea routes became crucial for maintaining the flow of troops, weapons, food, and other supplies. Ships played a vital role in transporting Crusaders, their horses, and their supplies across the Mediterranean. These vessels were typically galleys and large sailing ships equipped for both war and transport. Galleys, in particular, were favored for their speed and maneuverability, often being rowed when winds were unfavorable. Large Byzantine warships were used extensively by both Crusaders and their allies. Merchant ships were also repurposed to carry heavy equipment and reinforcements. Maritime supply lines were vulnerable to enemy attacks, and naval battles were frequent, with Crusaders often needing the protection of fleets from Venetian or Genoese navies, who provided expertise in shipbuilding and navigation. These fleets were essential in maintaining the Crusaders' foothold in the Holy Land. https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/09/08/ships-of-crusades/ For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The bulk carrier SS Marine Electric went down on February 12th, 1983, 30 miles off the coast of Virginia during a severe winter storm. The World War 2 era ship had been been deteriorating for years and suffered from rust, corrosion, failed pumps, and faulty safety features that the ship's owners, Marine Transport Lines had neglected to repair. Only 3 out of 34 crewmembers survived the wreck. Many Coast Guard reforms were developed as a result of this tragedy, including the formation of the US Coast Guard rescue swimmer program. For images and sources, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/08/24/ss-marine-electric/. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at Buy Me a Coffee Subscribe to Into History Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

History Daily From Noiser and Airship, this is History Daily, hosted, edited, and executive produced by Lindsay Graham. Audio editing and sound design by Mollie Baack. Music by Lindsay Graham. This episode is written and researched by James Benmore. Executive Producers are Steven Walters for Airship, and Pascal Hughes for Noiser. December 14, 1911. Roald Amundsen becomes the first person to reach the South Pole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Halifax Explosion of 1917 occurred on December 6 when the SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship laden with explosives, collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo in the narrow harbor of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The collision caused a massive explosion that devastated the surrounding area, resulting in approximately 2,000 deaths and injuring around 9,000 people. The blast obliterated buildings, started fires, and triggered a tsunami, causing widespread destruction in Halifax and the neighboring community of Dartmouth. It was the largest man-made explosion prior to the development of nuclear weapons, leaving a lasting impact on the city. For images and sources, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/08/04/the-halifax-explosion-of-1917/. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at Buy Me a Coffee Subscribe to Into History Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The USS Thresher (SSN-593) was a nuclear-powered submarine that tragically sank on April 10, 1963, during a deep-diving test about 220 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. This disaster resulted in the loss of all 129 crew members and civilians on board, marking the deadliest submarine disaster in U.S. history. The Thresher's sinking highlighted critical flaws in submarine design and emergency response procedures, leading to the implementation of the SUBSAFE program, which significantly improved the safety and reliability of subsequent U.S. Navy submarines. The exact cause of the sinking remains undetermined, but it is believed to involve a combination of mechanical failure and human error under the extreme pressures of deep-sea conditions. For images, sources, and a list of those who perished on USS Thresher, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/07/22/the-loss-of-uss-thresher/. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at Buy Me a Coffee Subscribe to Into History Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lord Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald (1775-1860), was a daring and influential British naval officer renowned for his unconventional tactics and audacious exploits during the Napoleonic Wars. Known for his strategic brilliance and fearless leadership, Cochrane earned a reputation as one of the most successful frigate captains in the Royal Navy, particularly for his devastating raids on enemy ships and coastal installations. His innovative use of fireships and his bold attacks on French and Spanish vessels contributed significantly to British naval victories. Beyond his naval career, Cochrane was also a reformer in politics, advocating for naval and parliamentary reforms and challenging corruption. His life inspired the literary character Jack Aubrey in Patrick O'Brian's novels, cementing his legacy as a charismatic and resourceful naval commander. For this episode's show page, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/07/07/lord-thomas-cochrane-the-sea-wolf/. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at Buy Me a Coffee Subscribe to Into History Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rich joins Lindsay Graham, host of History Daily, American History Tellers, and American Scandal, for a discussion of the book The Wager by David Grann. HMS Wager HMS Wager was a British Royal Navy ship that became famous for its dramatic wreck and subsequent mutiny in 1741, off the desolate coast of Chilean Patagonia. Original theme music for Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs by Sean Sigfried. Go AD-FREE by becoming a Patreon Officer's Club Member! Join at https://www.patreon.com.shipwreckspod Join the Into History Network for ad-free access to this and many other fantastic history podcasts! https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Merchandise is available! https://shop.shipwrecksandseadogs.com/ You can support the podcast with a donation of any amount at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Subscribe on YouTube Follow on BlueSky Follow on Threads Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lord Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald (1775-1860), was a daring and influential British naval officer renowned for his unconventional tactics and audacious exploits during the Napoleonic Wars. Known for his strategic brilliance and fearless leadership, Cochrane earned a reputation as one of the most successful frigate captains in the Royal Navy, particularly for his devastating raids on enemy ships and coastal installations. His innovative use of fireships and his bold attacks on French and Spanish vessels contributed significantly to British naval victories. Beyond his naval career, Cochrane was also a reformer in politics, advocating for naval and parliamentary reforms and challenging corruption. His life inspired the literary character Jack Aubrey in Patrick O'Brian's novels, cementing his legacy as a charismatic and resourceful naval commander. For this episode's show page, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/07/07/lord-thomas-cochrane-the-sea-wolf/. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at Buy Me a Coffee Subscribe to Into History Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Lakonia was launched in 1929 as the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (JVO) of the Netherlands Line as an ocean liner, servicing the route between Europe and the Dutch East Indies. After being converted to a troop ship during World War 2, she returned to passenger service until 1963, when she was sold to the Greek Line. The JVO was refurbished and renamed as the Lakonia, then relaunched as a cruise ship. In December of 1963, the ship was en route from Southampton, England to the Canary Islands with over over 1000 passengers and crew when a fire broke out in the hair salon, caused by faulty wiring. A slow response by the ship's crew, contradictory orders, and faulty lifeboats resulted in the deaths of 128 people. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at Buy Me a Coffee Subscribe to Into History Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 1881 Steamboat Victoria disaster in London, Ontario, Canada, remains one of the most tragic maritime accidents in Canadian history. On May 24, 1881, the Victoria, a paddlewheel steamboat, was packed with passengers enjoying a holiday excursion on the Thames River. However, tragedy struck when the boat became unstable, and its boiler came loose from its mountings. The boiler crashed through the support stanchions, causing the upper deck to collapse on those below, and the boat to sink. Over 180 passengers perished. For images and sources related to this episode, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/?p=1444. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at Buy Me a Coffee Subscribe to Into History Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From History Daily, hosted by Lindsay Graham, The Sinking of the Laconia. Get ad-free access to History Daily, Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs, and many other fantastic history podcasts, on the Into History podcast channel. Subscribe at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. September 12, 1942. During the Second World War, a German U-boat sinks the RMS Laconia, killing over 1,600 of the British liner’s passengers. From Noiser and Airship, this is History Daily, hosted, edited, and executive produced by me, Lindsay Graham. Audio editing by Muhammad Shahzaib. Sound design by Mischa Stanton. Music by Lindsay Graham. This episode is written and researched by Erik Archilla. Executive Producers are Alexandra Currie-Buckner for Airship, and Pascal Hughes for Noiser. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 20, 1987, the Philippines experienced the worst peacetime maritime disaster in history when the MV Doña Paz, a passenger ferry, collided with the MT Vector, an oil tanker. The accident occurred near the Tablas Strait, resulting in a massive fire that engulfed both vessels. The MV Doña Paz was heavily overcrowded with an estimated 4,385 people. Only 25 passengers from the Doña Paz survived. For images and sources related to this episode, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/?p=1425. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at Buy Me a Coffee Subscribe to Into History Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 9th of June, 1727, the Dutch East India Company vessel Zeewijk wrecked on Half Moon Reef of the Houtman Abrolhos, off the coast of Western Australia. The ship was not immediately destroyed and many of the ship's supplies were salvaged and brought to a small nearby coral island, later named Gun Island. After 9 months stranded on the island, the remaining survivors remarkably built a boat out of the scrap of the Zeewijk and sailed over 1600 miles to the Dutch settlement of Batavia on the island of Java. Author and historian Dr. Howard Gray joins me once again, to bring his expert knowledge of the history of Western Australia and the Houtman Abrolhos archipelago. Dr. Gray has written several books, including Lucretia's Batavia Diary, and you can find his publications at Westralian Books, https://www.westralianbooks.com.au. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at Buy Me a Coffee Subscribe to Into History Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Salty Science are Chantale Bégin, Isabelle Côté Noelle Helder, and Lauren Shea, and all four of them are marine scientists. In December of 2023, they rowed across the Atlantic Ocean as part of The World's Toughest Row. They finished first in the women's division, and overall 7th out of 38 teams, finishing in front of many of the men's teams as well. Their objective was to raise money and awareness to support charities focused on marine conservation education. I was able to chat with the team again to discuss the challenges and triumphs of their journey, and their experiences along the way. To learn more about Salty Science, please visit https://www.saltyscience.org. For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at Buy Me a Coffee Subscribe to Into History Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. The General Slocum shipwreck occurred on June 15, 1904, when the passenger steamboat caught fire while cruising along the East River in New York City. Carrying over 1,300 passengers, primarily members of the German-American community on an annual excursion, the disaster resulted in the loss of over 1,000 lives, mainly women and children. Outdated safety measures, locked gates, malfunctioning lifeboats, and inadequate life vests contributed to the tragedy, prompting significant reforms in maritime safety regulations and leaving a profound impact on New York City's history and the public's consciousness. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at Buy Me a Coffee Subscribe to Into History Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe to Into History for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Get access to this, and many more history podcasts. Subscribe at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. PJ Ornot is a retired United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, having served 24 years in the service. PJ was stationed in many locations throughout his career including North Carolina, Louisiana, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Florida. PJ and Rich discuss his experiences, including some rough rescues, a bizarre conspiracy, and emotional moments. For images, sources, and transcripts please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/04/07/pj-ornot-uscg-rescue-swimmer/ Support the Show! Subscribe to Into History at intohistory.com/shipwreckspod Donate to the show >> Buy merch! >> Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs on Social Media >> Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland was struck by the container ship MV Dali. The bridge completely collapsed moments later. Eight construction workers were on the bridge at the time. Although two men were rescued, six are missing and presumed dead. In this episode, I provide a timeline of events leasing to the disaster, including clips from the police radio. I also provide a short history of the bridge, and the MV Dali. https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/03/27/the-baltimore-bridge-disaster/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was struck by two torpedoes from the Japanese submarine I-58. The ship sank in just 12 minutes, leaving almost 900 men stranded in the water. For 4 days, the men suffered from horrific shark attacks, dehydration, and exposure. Of the 1,195 on board, only 316 ultimately survived. This episode is also available on YouTube. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes, show notes, and transcripts can be found at shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Go AD-FREE by becoming a Patreon Officer's Club Member! Join at https://www.patreon.com.shipwreckspod Join the Into History Network for ad-free access to this and many other fantastic history podcasts! https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Merchandise is available! https://shop.shipwrecksandseadogs.com/ You can support the podcast with a donation of any amount at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Subscribe on YouTube Follow on BlueSky Follow on Threads Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The creator of the Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs original theme music, Sean Sigfried, joins me to talk about how we first interacted, the creation of the theme song, and his achievements. You'll also hear a few clips of some of his other compositions. And, in a strange twist, he winds up interviewing me! Please follow Sean Sigfried on social media @SeanSecret or visit his website at seansigfried.com. You can follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs on social media @shipwreckspod or at shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe to Into History for ad-free listening, bonus content, and other perks! The French shipwreck Medusa, which took place in 1816 off the coast of Mauritania, remains one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. The vessel, carrying French officials, soldiers, and settlers to Senegal, ran aground due to navigational errors and negligence. Among the survivors, those left on a makeshift raft endured harrowing conditions, including starvation, dehydration, and resorting to cannibalism to survive. The tragic events of the Medusa disaster captivated public attention and inspired artistic works, such as Théodore Géricault's monumental painting "The Raft of the Medusa," which immortalized the plight of the survivors and the horrors they endured. For images, sources, and transcripts please visit: shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/03/11/the-raft-of-the-medusa/. Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs on Social Media >> Support the show by purchasing Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs merchandise >> Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe to Into History for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more. Get access to this, and many more history podcasts. Subscribe at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. The French shipwreck Medusa, which took place in 1816 off the coast of Mauritania, remains one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. The vessel, carrying French officials, soldiers, and settlers to Senegal, ran aground due to navigational errors and negligence. Among the survivors, those left on a makeshift raft endured harrowing conditions, including starvation, dehydration, and resorting to cannibalism to survive. The tragic events of the Medusa disaster captivated public attention and inspired artistic works, such as Théodore Géricault's monumental painting "The Raft of the Medusa," which immortalized the plight of the survivors and the horrors they endured. For images, sources, and transcripts please visit  shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/03/11/the-raft-of-the-medusa/. Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs on Social Media >> Support the show by purchasing Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs merchandise >> Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Airship, the studio behind American Scandal, American History Tellers, and History Daily, comes a new true crime history podcast that takes you inside the minds of some of our most notorious felons and outlaws, exploring the dark side to the American dream. The debut season tackles one of the country’s most sensational cases: The Menendez Murders. In 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez brutally shot their parents. Prosecutors said it was a million dollar inheritance that led two greedy kids to murder. But the picture-perfect facade this family built hid troubling abuse; could these teenagers have been driven to kill, or was it even in self defense? Episode one is out now! Go to americancriminal.com, or search for and follow American Criminal wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For ad-free listening, subscribe to the Into History Podcast Channel, at intohistory.com/shipwreckspod. The Vasa was a massive warship commissioned by King Gustav II Adolph of Sweden in the early 17th century. Designed to be the pride of the Swedish Navy, construction began in 1626 at the Royal Shipyard in Stockholm, under the supervision of master shipwright Henrik Hybertsson. The Vasa was intended to be a symbol of Sweden's military power and ambition in the Baltic region, with a total of 64 guns arranged on two decks. Its design incorporated the latest advancements in naval architecture, including a sleek hull and a high concentration of firepower. However, the Vasa's inaugural voyage was marked by tragedy. On August 10, 1628, the ship set sail from Stockholm's harbor amid great fanfare. But just minutes into the journey, a gust of wind caught the ship's sails, causing it to roll precariously. Water began to rush in through the open gun ports, and the ship quickly sank to the bottom of the harbor. It was a devastating loss for Sweden, with over 30 crew members perishing in the disaster. The Vasa lay submerged for over three centuries, until it was rediscovered in the 1950s and eventually salvaged in 1961. Today, the Vasa is one of Sweden's most popular tourist attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year to the Vasa Museum in Stockholm. Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs on social media @shipwreckspod or at shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Official merchandise is available at https://www.bonfire.com/store/shipwreckspod/. Original theme music is by Sean Sigfried, and you can follow him on YouTube @SeanSecret or at https://sean.sigfried.se. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For ad-free listening, subscribe to Into History at https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod. The Steamship Pulaski was an American steam packet that exploded on June 14, 1838, 40 miles off the coast of North Carolina. The explosion occurred around 11 PM, while the ship was traveling from Charleston, South Carolina to Baltimore, Maryland. The explosion caused the ship to break in two and sink within an hour, killing 128 people and saving about 66. Survivor Rebecca Lamar published an account of the disaster in 1854, titled, "The Loss of the Steamer Pulaski." Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs on social media @shipwreckspod. For images, show notes, and sources related to this episode, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/02/11/steamship-pulaski/. Transcript: https://podcasts-embed.musixmatch.com/t/01HPGZ6YF8H72EKC8MPW1KG9AA.srt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support the show! Join Into History for ad-free listening and other great perks. The sinking of the SS El Faro on October 1, 2015 was a devastating maritime disaster that occurred during Hurricane Joaquin. The American cargo ship, owned by TOTE Maritime, was en route from Jacksonville, Florida, to San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it encountered the powerful hurricane, leading to a distress call reporting a hull breach and severe listing. All 33 crew members tragically lost their lives, prompting investigations that revealed a combination of factors, including decisions made by the captain, malfunctioning equipment, safety concerns, and maintenance issues, all contributing to the disaster. The sinking of El Faro was the worst US commercial shipping disaster since the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975. Visit shipwrecksandseadogs.com for a photo gallery, suggested reading, transcript, and sources related to this episode. Official Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs merchandise is available at shipwrecksandseadogs.com! Check it out, and help support the show. Original theme music is by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe to Into History at https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod for ad-free listening! Real, modern-day pirate Capt. Tonz has led an adventurous and dangerous life on the seas, and has many stories to tell. From a young age, Capt. Tonz struck out on his own as a mariner and learned the tricks of his trade. Capt. Tonz gives us a little taste of his life-story, and you can hear the rest on his own podcast, Original Pirate Material. Visit https://www.captaintonz.com for more. For photos and more please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/01/16/real-life-pirate-capt-tonz/. Please follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs on social media @shipwreckspod. Visit https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com for official podcast merch! Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For ad-free access to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and other history podcasts, subscribe to Into History at intohistory.com/shipwreckspod. The SS Atlantic disaster occurred on April 1, 1873, when the British steamship SS Atlantic, carrying over 900 passengers and crew, struck rocks off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. The ship was en route from Liverpool, England, to New York City but faced severe weather conditions and navigational errors that led to its tragic demise. The impact caused the vessel to quickly sink, resulting in the loss of around 550 lives, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters of its time. Despite rescue efforts by local residents, the combination of rough seas, inadequate life-saving equipment, and the remote location of the wreck contributed to the high death toll, leaving a haunting legacy in maritime history. Special guest: Maritime historian Kirby Ross. For photos and more information about this episode, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2024/01/01/final-voyage-of-ss-atlanti/. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Into History for ad-free listening and other great perks. The Franklin Expedition of 1845 was a British voyage led by Sir John Franklin in an attempt to navigate the Northwest Passage, a coveted sea route through the Arctic. Comprising two ships, the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, the expedition aimed to explore uncharted territories but tragically ended in disaster. The ships became trapped in ice off King William Island, and all 129 crew members perished. Despite numerous search missions, the fate of the expedition remained a mystery for over 150 years until the wrecks of the Erebus and Terror were discovered in 2014 and 2016 respectively, shedding light on the hardships faced by the crew, including exposure, starvation, and lead poisoning from poorly preserved food cans, contributing to their demise. For show notes and photo gallery, please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2023/12/12/franklin-expedition/. Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs merchandise is now available! Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The SS Western Reserve was the first steel-hulled bulk carrier on the Great Lakes, launched in 1890 for the Minch Transportation Company. Its owner and designer, Peter G. Minch, took his family for a vacation cruise on a late summer day in 1892. The vessel was caught in a strong gale on Lake Superior on August 30th, 1892, and all but one of its 28 occupants was lost, including Peter G. Minch and his family. The location of the ship was unknown until 2024, when the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society discovered the long-lost wreck. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes, show notes, and transcripts can be found at shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Go AD-FREE by becoming a Patreon Officer's Club Member! Join at https://www.patreon.com.shipwreckspod Join the Into History Network for ad-free access to this and many other fantastic history podcasts! https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Merchandise is available! https://shop.shipwrecksandseadogs.com/ You can support the podcast with a donation of any amount at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Subscribe on YouTube Follow on BlueSky Follow on Threads Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this episode ad-free. Go to IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod and subscribe. In 1940, after Nazi Germany's Western Europe invasion, France capitulated and became a puppet state, while Britain stood alone against Germany. Concerned about the French Naval fleet surrendering to Germany, Britain proposed an ultimatum to Vichy France, leading to a breakdown in their alliance. The events led to intense battles at Mers-El-Kebir and Dakar involving leading military figures of the period. For images and sources related to this episode please visit https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com/the-royal-navys-ww2-assault-on-the-french-fleet/ Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Follow Shipwreck and Sea Dogs on social media @shipwreckspod. Official Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/shipwreckspod/ Original theme music is by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For ad-free listening, Subscribe at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was an American Great Lakes freighter that sank in Lake Superior during a storm on November 10, 1975. The ship's crew of 29 men were all lost. She was the largest ship on North America's Great Lakes when it was launched on June 7, 1958. It remains the largest ship to have sunk in the Great Lakes. The Fitzgerald's mysterious demise inspired Gordon Lightfoot's hit song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” (1976), which helped make it the most famous shipwreck in the Great Lakes. The Fitzgerald's wreckage is in two pieces at the bottom of Lake Superior. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point has a bell on display as a memorial to the lost crew. For photos and sources please visit https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2023/11/13/the-wreck-of-the-edmund-fitzgerald/. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bonus episode! American Revolution Podcast by Michael Troy. British Admiral Augustus Keppel and French Admiral Louis Guillouet, the comte d'Orvilliers lead fleets into the Atlantic. Each hope to destroy the other's fleet. After a relatively inconclusive battle at sea both battered fleets return to port. Disputes between top officers end careers on both sides. British Admirals Keppel and Palliser create a rift that divides naval officers and political leaders for a generation. Visit https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Subscribe to Into History for ad-free access to fantastic history podcasts, bonus content, exclusive content, a members only community, and more. Subscribe at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For ad-free episodes subscribe to Into History at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. In 1909, the RMS Republic of the White Star Line was struck by the SS Florida, and sank off Nantucket in the North Atlantic. It was rumored to be carrying a large quantity of gold, silver, and other valuables, but none of it has been found. Maritime writer James B. Connolly happened to be on board the ship, and he went to great lengths to get his articles about the accident published. Descendant of James B. Connolly, Paul O'Donnell joins me as my guest. Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs on social media @shipwreckspod and at shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Sources and photos can be found on this episode's show page. https://shipwrecksandseadogs.com/blog/2023/10/16/the-rms-republic/ Official Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Merchandise is now available! Original theme music is by Sean Sigfried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices