American Shipwrecks Episodes

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.shipwreck...

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 Napol...

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 Networ...

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.shipwre...

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.shipwre...