Episodes

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. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at ⁠https://www.sh...

A story of survival off the coast of Western Australia.

The women of Salty Science rowed across the Atlantic Ocean in December of 2023.

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

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 emotion...

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....

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. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at ⁠https://www.shipwrec...

Survivors from the French shipwreck Medusa struggle to survive.

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 attenti...

From Airship, comes a new true crime history podcast that takes you inside the minds of some of our most notorious felons and outlaws.

The Swedish warship Vasa sank just minutes into its maiden voyage in 1626.

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.

A real, modern-day pirate, Capt. Tonz has led an adventurous and dangerous life on the seas, and has many stories to tell.

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 res...

HMS Terror and Erebus disappeared in Canada in 1845, along with Sir John Franklin and his entire expedition.

During World War 2 the British Royal Navy battled the Vichy French in Africa.

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

The Battle of Ushant took place between British and French ships during the American War of Independence.

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 Nap...

Famous sharpshooter Annie Oakley is arrested.

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 ...

A bonus episode of History Daily, hosted by Lindsay Graham. Robert Smalls, born in 1839, was an enslaved African American in South Carolina. In 1862, during the American Civil War, Smalls commandeered a Confederate transport ship, the CSS Planter, and sailed it to the Union blockade, delivering vital intelligence to the Union forces. Smalls went on to serve as a naval officer in the Union Navy, becoming a symbol of bravery and heroism. Post-war, he became a prominent figure in South Carolina po...

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...