American Shipwrecks Episodes

On the evening of January 28, 1980 the United States Coast Guard cutter Blackthorn was leaving Tampa Bay when it collided with the SS Capricorn, killing 23 Coast Guardsman.

The HMS Gaspee was seized and burned by Rhode Islanders on June 10, 1772.

The horrifying fire and sinking of the Royal Tar killed 32 people and a menagerie of animals.

SS Marine Electric: The Wreck That Changed The Coast Guard

History's Deadliest Submarine Disaster

Over 1000 people perished when the General Slocum caught fire and sank in the East River in New York City.

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. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. A...

The Pulaski went down 40 miles off the coast of North Carolina in 1838, killing 128.

The cargo ship El Faro sank on October 1, 2015 after sailing directly into Hurricane Joaquin.

The cargo ship Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior in 1958, prompting Gordon Lightfoot's legendary song.

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. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napo...

The crew of the D/V Tenacious returns to the Andrea Doria with a team of Italian divers to record the condition of the wreck from bow to stern. Italian divers Andrea Murdock Alpini, David D'Anna, and Marco Setti make an emotional dive to the legendary ship that was once the pride of Italy. Jenn Sellitti of D/V Tenacious is my guest. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at ⁠https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com⁠ . Original theme music by ⁠Sean Sigfried⁠ . Go ...

Pirate historian and enthusiast Captain Marrow joins me to talk all things Blackbeard. Blackbeard, whose real name is thought to be Edward Teach, was one of the most infamous and feared pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy in the early 18th century. He was known for his imposing appearance, with a long black beard and slow-match fuses burning under his hat, creating a terrifying image. Blackbeard's piracy career was marked by acts of violence and intimidation, and he met his end in a dramatic bat...

In 1854, the SS Arctic of the Collins Line sank off the coast of Newfoundland after colliding with the French fishing vessel, SS Vesta. As it became clear the ship was sinking, many of the crew ignored chivalry, rushing the lifeboats, and pushing women and children aside. About 300 lost their lives, and not a single woman or child survived. The shameful behavior of the crew and devastating loss of life makes the SS Arctic one of the most notorious and tragic shipwrecks in history. Written, edite...

The SS Pacific was a sidewheel paddle steamer, which by 1875 had 25 years of service up and down the west coast of the US and Canada. In November of 1875, she collided with the sailing vessel Orpheus, and was fatally damaged. Only two aboard the Pacific survived, and an estimate of 325 perished. It is the greatest loss of life in the history of the waters nicknamed The Graveyard of the Pacific. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at ⁠https://www.shipwrecks...

In the early morning hours of September 8, 1860, the beautiful sidewheel paddle steamer The Lady Elgin was rammed by the schooner Augusta during a violent gale on Lake Michigan. Over 300 passengers and crew lost their lives, including many members of the Irish Union Guard of Milwaukee's Third Ward. Residents of Winnetka, Highwood, and other nearby communities sprung into action, rescuing survivors from the shores or recovering bodies to be identified. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napoli...

I appeared as a guest on this episode of Archive Unknown, hosted by Lara Zielin. Join us as we discuss the curious disappearance of the USS Cyclops in 1918. Go AD-FREE by becoming a Patreon Officer's Club Member! Join at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.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://buymeacoffee.com/shipwreckspod⁠⁠⁠ Join the Into History Network fo...

Samuel Bellamy, or "Black Sam" Bellamy, was an extraordinarily successful pirate, albeit for a very short time. Called the "Robin Hood of the Seas," he abhorred violence, treated his victims humanely, and was very generous to his men. When he and his fleet captured the slave ship Whydah Gally, he scored a huge payday, but it all wound up lost for almost 300 years when the Whydah was wrecked in a storm off Cape Cod in 1717. This is the story of the Gentleman Pirate, a ship laden with riches, and ...

On October 7, 1916 the German U-Boat U-53 showed up unexpectedly at Newport Harbor, Rhode Island. World War 1 was raging, although the United States remained firmly neutral. The U-53 captain, Hans Rose, paid courtesy visits to local US Navy commanders, and in return had them visit his U-Boat. The visit was friendly and accommodating, if not a bit strange. Curious onlookers snapped photos and gathered their boats around the U-53. The next morning, the U-53 commenced sinking Allied ships, and with...

The USCG Cutter Blackthorn sank after colliding with the SS Capricorn, outside of Tampa Bay, Florida.

On July 24th, 1915, the SS Eastland rolled on its side in the Chicago River, just 19 feet from the dock, killing 844 people. The ship, along with 4 others were scheduled to transport over 7000 employees of the Western Electric company to a fun-filled day at the company's annual outing. Paul Durica, Director of Exhibitions at the Chicago History Museum joins me. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at ⁠https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com⁠ . Original theme m...

The luxury passenger line Andrea Doria was the pride of post World War 2 Italy, and sank in 1956 after a collision with the vessel Stockholm.

On the morning of May 9, 1980, the large freighter Summit Venture smashed into the Sunshine Skyway Bridge while entering Tampa Bay, Florida. The center section of the southbound span was destroyed, killing 35 motorists. This is the story of how it happened, and the tragedy it left in its wake. Rich's guest co-host for this episode is his wife Dawn. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at ⁠https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com⁠ . Original theme music by ⁠Sean...

The S.S. Sultana was transporting former Union prisoners of war at the end of the American Civil War when it suddenly exploded on April 27th, 1865. Jerry Potter, author of The Sultana Tragedy: America's Greatest Maritime Disaster, offers fantastic insight and perspective into this horrible shipwreck. An estimated 1200 people lost their lives due to greed, corruption, negligence, and incompetence. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at ⁠https://www.shipwrec...