Episodes

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...

Mata Hari fit society’s profile of a female spy so perfectly: beautiful, seductive, and duplicitous. That’s why the Germans, and the British, and the French all thought she must actually be a spy. Even when they couldn’t find any evidence of it. Here is the story of a woman who had many faults, but almost certainly not the one she was executed for. Hosted by Lori Davis. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at ⁠https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com⁠. Origina...

In December 2023, the women of the Salty Science team rowed 3000 miles unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean.

North Sentinel Island is one of the most isolated places on the planet, and its people are extremely determined to keep it that way. The 1809 shipwreck of the HMS Primrose and the1867 wreck of the Nineveh found their passengers and crews as unwelcomed guests. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at ⁠https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com⁠. Original theme music by ⁠Sean Sigfried⁠. Go AD-FREE by becoming a Patreon Officer's Club Member! Join at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ww...

Captain Carolyn Kurtz became the first ever female pilot in state of Florida in 1995. Her lifelong passion for ships took her to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and then a job as an officer on a commercial ship, before becoming a maritime pilot out of the Port of Tampa. Capt. Kurtz is still piloting and serves on the National Navigation Safety Advisory Committee to the United States Coast Guard. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at ⁠https://w...

The strange world of 18th century press gangs.

An interview with renowned archaeologist Dr. Eric Cline, author of 1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed. Dr. Cline and Rich Napolitano discuss the Bronze Age shipwreck at Uluburun, dating back to 1300 BCE. The vessel was carrying vast amount of riches and valuable items that can be traced to kingdoms all over the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Near East Asia. The cargo found on the ship has changed what we knew about the Late Bronze Age and the trade relationships between the Mycenaeans, Minoans...

John Paul Jones was a Scottish born mariner and captain whose name became synonymous with courage, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination. But to some, he was a murderous traitor. He is widely regarded as one of the most distinguished naval officers in American history. As an early advocate for a strong United States Navy, Jones played a pivotal role during the American Revolutionary War, leading daring naval expeditions and inflicting severe damage upon the British Royal Navy and me...

The Cod Wars were a series of conflicts that took place between Iceland and Great Britain during the 20th century. Centered around disputes over fishing rights and territorial waters, these confrontations showcased the struggle between Iceland's efforts to protect its valuable cod fishing industry and Britain's interests in maintaining access to these fishing grounds. Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at ⁠https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com⁠. Original ...

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, edit...

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...

The Georges Philippar was a luxurious passenger liner of the French Messageries Maritimes line. She and other ships built by the Ateliers et Chantiers shipbuilding company were plagued by fires over the years, culminating in several tragic accidents. In May of 1932, the Georges Philippar experienced a cabin fire while returning to France from Japan. The crew struggled to control the fire and soon it burned out of control. At least 41 were killed, but possibly as many as 100. Controversy surround...

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...

Author and historian Richard M. Jones joines me to discuss the British cargo ship Lulworth Hill. Just after midnight on 19 March 1943, the Lulworth Hill was torpedoed by the Italian U-Boat Leonardo da Vinci. The ship split in two and sank within just 90 seconds. Only 14 out of 47 made it to a small, cramped liferaft. They were stranded in a tiny lifeboat, with very little fresh water and food. The unbearable heat, dehydration, starvation took their toll on the men, all while sharks continually c...