The total loss of SS Yarmouth Castle in 1965 is the deadliest passenger ship disaster off the American coast since the burning of SS Morro Castle in 1934.
Eighty-four passengers and two crew died in the early-morning hours of November 13, 1965, when the cruise liner SS Yarmouth Castle caught fire and sank near Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Four others would die later from their injuries.
The ship had 552 people aboard on her weekend round trip between Miami and Nassau. Her total loss marks the deadliest passenger ship disaster off the coast of the United States since the burning of the liner SS Morro Castle off New Jersey in 1934. The survival of over 450 people from the inferno was nothing short of a miracle.
My guests for this episode are the authors of "Yarmouth Castle Burning", Captain Randall Peffer and Captain Eric Takakjian.
"Yarmouth Castle Burning" can be purchased through Schiffer publishing at https://schifferbooks.com/products/yarmouth-castle-burning, on Amazon, or wherever books are sold.
*Disclaimer: No compensation, promotional consideration, or remuneration of any kind was paid to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs or Rich Napolitano for Mr. Peffer's or Mr. Takakjian's involvement in this episode. Links are provided solely for listeners to purchase the book if interested.
**No AI was used in the production of this podcast.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com.
Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.
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1:24:57
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1:24:57
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - 50th Anniversary
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking, this is a replay of Episode 33, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was an American Great Lakes freighter that sank in Lake Superior during a terrible storm on November 10, 1975. The ship's crew of 29 men all perished and were never recovered. The Edmund Fitzgerald 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 tragic 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.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com.
Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.
Listen AD-FREE by becoming an 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
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The Star of Bengal: Alaska's Forgotten Tragedy
The Star of Bengal was a three-masted steel sailing ship that met a tragic end off the coast of Alaska on September 20, 1908. While transporting over 138 cannery workers, mostly Asian immigrants, and a cargo of canned salmon from Wrangell, Alaska to San Francisco, California, the ship was caught in a fierce gale. Two accompanying tugboats were forced to release their towlines, leaving the Star of Bengal to be driven onto the rocky shore near Coronation Island. The vessel broke apart in the storm, and the frigid waters claimed the lives of more than 100 people, making it one of Alaska’s deadliest maritime disasters.
My guest for this episode is Ronan Rooney from https://www.wrangellhistoryunlocked.com.
(Disclaimer: No monetary compensation, sponsorhip, or promotional consideration was given to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs for Mr. Rooney's participation in this episode.)
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com.
Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.
Listen AD-FREE by becoming an 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 for ad-free access to this and many other fantastic history podcasts! https://www.intohistory.com/shipwreckspod
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1:00:29
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1:00:29
Introducing Curiosity Weekly by Discovery
Make sense of the biggest science and technology questions that shape our world with Curiosity Weekly, a podcast from Discovery. I have become a regular listener and hope you check it out too!
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Lost on Lake Michigan: SS Andaste
The SS Andaste was a semi-whaleback, self-unloading freighter built in 1892 by the Cleveland Shipbuilding Company. In 1925, a self-unloading system was added to her deck making her a bit top-heavy and unstable. On September 9, 1929, she was lost in a storm on Lake Michigan, while transporting a load of gravel from Ferrysburg (Grand Haven), Michigan to Chicago. All 25 on board perished. The wreck of the Andaste has never been found, but Great Lakes shipwreck hunters are actively searching for her.
Jennifer Keefer of the Grand Haven Area Convention & Vistor's Bureau joins me as a guest, and provided assistance with some of the research for this episode.
(Disclaimer: No monetary compensation, sponsorhip, or promotional consideration was given to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs for Ms. Keefer's participation in this episode.)
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com.
Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.
Listen AD-FREE by becoming an 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
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A maritime history podcast. Dive deep into the captivating world of shipwrecks, maritime disasters, and seafaring legends. Each episode unravels the true stories behind history’s most infamous shipwrecks, from legendary vessels lost to the depths to modern-day maritime mysteries. Join host Rich Napolitano as he explores the history, science, and human stories behind these sunken relics—perfect for history buffs, sailors, divers, ocean lovers, and adventure seekers alike. Set sail with us on a voyage through time, where the past meets the sea.
Follow Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and embark on a journey through the forgotten chapters of maritime history! 🌊⚓
Subscribe to the Officer's Club on Patreon for ad-free listening and bonus content!
Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is a proud member of the Into History podcast channel.
Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.