Aayush Pathak
A remarkable maritime discovery has been made as a US dive team located the wreck of the French steamship Le Lyonnais, which sank in the Atlantic Ocean in 1856 following a tragic collision. This significant find comes after a two-decade-long search and highlights the ship’s storied past, which claimed 114 lives and has since been largely forgotten.
The Tragic History of Le Lyonnais
Le Lyonnais was built in 1855 and was considered a state-of-the-art vessel for its time, featuring both sails and a steam engine. It was returning to France after completing its maiden voyage from Le Havre to New York when disaster struck on November 2, 1856. The ship collided with the American barque Adriatic, resulting in extensive damage that ultimately led to its sinking days later.
The ship was carrying 132 passengers and crew at the time of the incident. Reports indicate that only 16 individuals survived the disaster, while the majority perished in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. The collision raised numerous maritime liability questions, particularly regarding the responsibilities of sailing vessels in encounters with steamships, an emerging technology at the time.
Discovery by Atlantic Wreck Salvage
The wreck was discovered by a team from Atlantic Wreck Salvage, based in New Jersey, while operating the dive boat D/V Tenacious. Jennifer Sellitti, a partner in the company, confirmed that divers identified the wreck approximately 200 miles off the coast of New Bedford, Massachusetts, in an area known as Georges Bank.
Sellitti stated, “She certainly doesn’t look as good as she used to. She was really broken apart.” The harsh conditions of the North Atlantic, characterized by storms and shifting sands, have taken a toll on the wreck, making it difficult to preserve. The team used measurements of an engine cylinder as a key identification factor, confirming the wreck’s identity as Le Lyonnais.
The Collision and Its Aftermath
On the night of the collision, Captain Jonathan Durham of the Adriatic reported that Le Lyonnais had suddenly changed course, leading to the inevitable crash. The Adriatic sustained damage but managed to continue its journey to Gloucester, Massachusetts, while Le Lyonnais, severely compromised, sank several days later. Survivors were rescued by another ship, but the incident drew significant attention at the time, including a trial for the Adriatic’s captain in France.
The sinking of Le Lyonnais was a pivotal event in maritime history, noted for its implications regarding steamship navigation and safety. Sellitti, who has written a book titled “The Adriatic Affair: A Maritime Hit-and-Run Off the Coast of Nantucket,” plans to release it in February 2025, detailing the collision and its broader impact.
Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of Le Lyonnais not only brings closure to a long-lost maritime tragedy but also serves as a reminder of the technological advancements in shipbuilding during the 19th century. As one of the first French passenger steamships to operate transatlantic routes, Le Lyonnais represented a significant shift from sail to steam power, marking a new era in maritime travel.
The dive team’s meticulous efforts over the years have finally borne fruit, allowing for the documentation and preservation of this important piece of history. As they prepare to return to the site for further exploration and artifact recovery, the story of Le Lyonnais is set to captivate a new generation, rekindling interest in a maritime disaster that has long been overshadowed by later events, including the American Civil War.
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