First steamship Atlantic disasterIn 1854, the first great disaster involving an Atlantic Ocean liner occurred when the steamship S.S. Arctic sank with over 300 lives lost. When launched in 1850, this oak-framed, pine-planked, masted side-paddle steamer of the Collins Line was regarded as the best-outfitted ship plying between England and New York, and with steam power could average thirteen knots speed. Its last voyage began on 20 Sep 1854 from Liverpool. Six days out at sea, in a fog bank off Cape Race, Newfoundland, it was in collision with an iron-hulled French ship, the Vesta. Despite bow damage to each, both deemed it advisable to try to reach land. Only the Vesta ever reached land, three days later. The Arctic had lost power, its pumps ceased, and sank. Its loss prompted attention to the need for on-board foghorns.« |
