Shows
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsFlotsam & Jetsam: Artifacts, Stories, and Conspiracies of the Morro Castle Rich chats with Deb Whitcraft, of the New Jersey Maritime Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of artifacts and memorabilia related to the Morro Castle.
https://njmaritimemuseum.org/
This bonus Flotsam & Jetsam episode is available for everyone. To hear more, please subscribe to the Officer's Club on Patreon, or subscribe to the Into History Podcast Channel.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.
Go AD-FREE by becoming a Patreon Officer's Club Member! Join at https://www.patreon.com/shipwreckspo...2025-07-221h 09
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Inferno of the Morro CastleThe Morro Castle shipwreck of 1934 was a tragic maritime disaster involving a luxury passenger liner operated by the Ward Line. On September 8, 1934, while en route from Havana to New York, the ship caught fire off the coast of New Jersey near Asbury Park, resulting in the deaths of 137 passengers and crew. The fire, which was later suspected to be an act of arson, spread rapidly due to strong winds and flammable materials onboard, forcing many to jump into rough seas. The burning vessel eventually ran aground on the beach, becoming a chilling symbol of maritime safety failures. The disaster...2025-07-1553 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsDiscovering the Shipwrecks of Lake OntarioIn 2025, a team of eight students, scientists, and engineers from the University of Rhode Island conducted the first survey of known shipwrecks in the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary. Using URI’s new, state-of-the-art remotely operated vehicle, named “Rhody”, the student-led team documented 17 shipwrecks. Having embarked from Oswego, New York, aboard the research vessel Lake Guardian, which is owned and operated by the Environmental Protection Agency, the team discovered several new shipwrecks while mapping the lakebed.
Jason Fahy and Holly Pettus from the University of Rhode Island are my guests.
Mentioned in this episode:
NOAA O...2025-07-0852 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsKing Henry VIII's Lost Warship: The Mary RoseThe Mary Rose was a warship of the Tudor era of the English monarchy, built in 1510 during the reign of King Henry VIII. The hulking ship was the king's favorite for many years, until it inexplicably sank in Portsmouth Harbour in 1545 as it sailed out to meet the invading French fleet. Over 400 years later, the Mary Rose was raised and its artifacts preserved. My guest is author and historian Richard M. Jones.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.
...2025-06-2447 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsListener Appreciation Week: The Wreck That Crashed the Stock MarketListener Appreciation Week Day 5
When the SS Central America sank off the coast of South Carolina in 1857, it went down with millions of dollars worth of gold from California. The loss of the badly needed gold caused a run on the banks, and a financial crisis called the Panic of 1857.
As a thank you to all Shipwreck and Sea Dogs listeners, I am bringing you a bonus mini-episode each day this week.
As another bonus, all merchandise is 25% OFF during Listener Appreciation Week! Go to shop.shipwrecksandseadogs.com and use code LISTENER2025 at check out.2025-06-2008 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsListener Appreciation Week: The Pourquoi Pas and Roald AmundsenListener Appreciation Week Day 4
Renowned French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot explored the polar regions for many years aboard his ship, the Pourquoi Pas. When fellow explorer Roald Amundsen's plane went missing in 1928, Charcot joined the search for the Norwegian. Amundsen himself was searching for the crashed Italian airship, Italia, and its captain Umberto Nobile.
As a thank you to all Shipwreck and Sea Dogs listeners, I am bringing you a bonus mini-episode each day this week.
As another bonus, all merchandise is 25% OFF during Listener Appreciation Week! Go to shop.shipwrecksandseadogs.com...2025-06-1905 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsListener Appreciation Week: The Toilet That Sank a German U-BoatListener Appreciation Week, Day 3During World War 2, the Germans captured several Dutch submarines, which included an experimental air venting device. The Germans put this to use, and used it on board some of their own U-boats. This led to the creation of a high-pressure, deepwater toilet waste system, and things did not quite go as planned.
As a thank you to all Shipwreck and Sea Dogs listeners, I am bringing you a bonus mini-episode each day this week.
As another bonus, all merchandise is 25% OFF during Listener Appreciation Week! Go to shop...2025-06-1810 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Top Secret Mission That Found the TitanicListener Appreciation Week, Day 2
Renowned ocean explorer Robert Ballard found the legendary Titanic in 1985, but it was a top-secret mission sponsored by the U.S. Navy that allowed Ballard to make his discovery.
As a thank you to all Shipwreck and Sea Dogs listeners, I am bringing you a bonus mini-episode each day this week.
As another bonus, all merchandise is 25% OFF during Listener Appreciation Week! Go to shop.shipwrecksandseadogs.com and use code LISTENER2025 at check out.
Please share this episode with a frien...2025-06-1706 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsListener Appreciation Week: Heroes of Two ShipwrecksListener Appreciation Week, Day 1: Heroes of Two Shipwrecks
Musicians Moss and Tracy Hills survived the sinking of the Greek cruise ship Oceanos in 1991, and then the Italian ship Achille Lauro in 1994. During both sinkings, the married couple stepped up and provided leadership and assistance to the passengers, and were critical to rescue efforts.
As a thank you to all Shipwreck and Sea Dogs listeners, I am bringing you a bonus mini-episode each day this week.
As another bonus, all merchandise is 25% OFF during Listener Appreciation Week! Go...2025-06-1607 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Bounty Mutiny - Part 2William Bligh makes his miraculous voyage to Timor in the small launch, and Fletcher Christian and his fellow mutineers take the Bounty to the uninhabited Pitcairn Island. Meanwhile, 16 of the Bounty crew remain on Tahiti and are captured by Captain Edward Edwards of HMS Pandora. The Pandora itself wrecks on the Great Barrier Reef, killing 31 crew and 4 of the prisoners. The court martials result in Bligh being exonerated and 3 of the mutineers executed. The mutineers establish a settlement on Pitcairn Island, and their descendants still reside on the island. In 2012, the Bounty replica sank off the coast of North...2025-06-0342 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Bounty Mutiny - Part 1The legendary story of the Mutiny on the Bounty. In part 1 of this 2-part series, the Bounty departs England for Tahiti to obtain breadfruit. The crew become comfortable on Tahiti and form relations with the women. Commanding Lt. William Bligh becomes increasingly hostile toward his officers, and insults and humiliates them regularly, setting up the muitiny led by Acting Lt. Fletcher Christian.
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 Patreo...2025-05-2735 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe HL Hunley: First Submarine to Sink an Enemy ShipThe H.L. Hunley was a submarine built by the Confederate States of America in 1863, during the American Civil War. Two tragic mishaps during testing resulted in the deaths of 13 crewmen in Charleston Harbor, including its namesake, Horace Lawson Hunley. The Hunley was finally put into action in 1864, when it successfully ventured into the Atlantic Ocean, and rammed the USS Housatonic with its spar torpedo, and sank her. The Hunley was the first submarine to ever sink an enemy ship. But the submarine disappeared with its 8 crewmen, and its location remained a mystery for over a hundred years. Today...2025-05-1338 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Adriatic Affair: A Maritime Hit and RunThe American sailing vessel Adriatic collided with the French steamship Le Lyonnais on November 2, 1856, off the coast of Nantucket in what can best be described as a maritime hitand-run. Adriatic’s captain, Jonathan Durham, rendered no aid and left the passenger steamship to fend for herself. 114 people died in the collision and in the days that followed.
In August of 2024, Jennifer Sellitti, her partner Joe Mazraani, and a team of explorers discovered, dived, and identified the wreckage of Lyonnais on the eastern edges of Georges Bank. The book includes an epilogue that chronicles what it...2025-04-291h 11
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Princess Sophia: The Unknown Titanic of the West CoastThe Princess Sophia was a Canadian passenger steamship that tragically sank on October 25, 1918, after striking Vanderbilt Reef in Lynn Canal near Juneau, Alaska. Caught in a severe snowstorm with strong winds and poor visibility, the ship ran aground and was unable to be evacuated due to worsening weather. Despite rescue ships waiting nearby, conditions prevented any safe transfer of passengers. When the storm intensified, the Princess Sophia broke apart and sank, killing all 353 people on board, making it the worst maritime disaster in the history of the Pacific Northwest.
Written, edited, and produced by...2025-04-1545 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Wager Book Discussion with Lindsay GrahamRich joins Lindsay Graham, host of History Daily, American History Tellers, and American Scandal, for a discussion of the book The Wager by David Grann. HMS Wager HMS Wager was a British Royal Navy ship that became famous for its dramatic wreck and subsequent mutiny in 1741, off the desolate coast of Chilean Patagonia.
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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Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe USS IndianapolisOn July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was struck by two torpedoes from the Japanese submarine I-58. The ship sank in just 12 minutes, leaving almost 900 men stranded in the water. For 4 days, the men suffered from horrific shark attacks, dehydration, and exposure. Of the 1,195 on board, only 316 ultimately survived.
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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Shipwrecks...2025-03-2653 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsUnbreakable: The SS Western ReserveThe SS Western Reserve was the first steel-hulled bulk carrier on the Great Lakes, launched in 1890 for the Minch Transportation Company. Its owner and designer, Peter G. Minch, took his family for a vacation cruise on a late summer day in 1892. The vessel was caught in a strong gale on Lake Superior on August 30th, 1892, and all but one of its 28 occupants was lost, including Peter G. Minch and his family. The location of the ship was unknown until 2024, when the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society discovered the long-lost wreck.
Written, edited, and produced...2025-03-2524 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsHenry Every: King of PiratesFamed pirate Henry Every went by many names, but earned his nickname "King of Pirates" when he plundered the Mughul treasure ship, Ganj-i-Swai in 1695. Valued at over $100 million today, it is believed to be the most lucrative pirate haul in history. His brutal savagery also was notorious, leading to a worldwide manhunt for his capture. Henry Every mysteriously disappeared from history in 1696, but there are many rumors of what became of him.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.
2025-03-1131 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsTitanic Conspiracies and a Love StoryThis special bonus episode features guests Dr. Scarlett Smash and Dr. Craken McCraik from the Marine Conservation Happy Hour Podcast. Join us as we discuss the conspiracy theories of the Titanic/Olympic switch, the legend of the supposedly prophetic "Titan" novel written 2 decades before the Titanic sank, and the story of an interracial married couple who boarded the Titanic.
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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Join a...2025-03-0431 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsAustralia's Deadliest Shipwreck: The CataraquiThe barque Cataraqui crashed into the rocks of King Island, Tasmania, in the Bass Strait, August 4, 1845. The ship was carrying emigrants, mostly families, from England to New South Wales to start a new life. Of 409 on board, only 9 survived, including only 1 passenger. All of the women and children perished. The wreck of the Cataraqui is Australia’s deadliest civil maritime disaster in history.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. All episodes, images, and sources can be found at shipwrecksandseadogs.com.
Go AD-FREE by...2025-02-2531 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Last Viking: Roald AmundsenRoald Amundsen was a Norwegian explorer renowned for being the first to reach the South Pole on December 14, 1911, beating Robert Falcon Scott's British expedition. A skilled navigator and leader, he used innovative techniques learned from the Inuit, such as dog sledding and wearing fur clothing, to survive in extreme polar conditions. Amundsen also led the first successful navigation of the Northwest Passage in 1906 and later became the first confirmed person to reach the North Pole by airship in 1926. He tragically disappeared in 1928 during a rescue mission in the Arctic.
Written, edited, and produced by...2025-02-1850 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsLighthouses of the WorldThe first in a planned series of future episodes about the world's most well-known lighthouses. The enormous Lighthouse of Alexandria is the most famous lighthouse of all time, and stood for 1500 years on the shore of Alexandria, Egypt, and It is one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Hook's Lighthouse in Ireland is over 1200 years old and is the oldest, intact, operational lighthouse in the world. The Eddystone off the coast of England has gone through numerous iterations, dating back to the 1600's.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music...2025-02-0431 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe USS Somers MutinyThe U.S. Navy brig Somers was part of an experimental apprentice program to teach young men, mostly teenagers, to be naval officers. During a return voyage to Africa in 1842, Captain Alexander Slidell Mackenzie learned of a mutiny plot, orchestrated by Philip Spencer and other young crewmen. Spencer was the son of Secretary of War John Spencer, and already had a reputation as a troublemaker. Acting swiftly, Mackenzie ordered the execution of the alleged ringleaders, Philip Spencer, Samuel Cromwell, and Elisha Small. The event sparked a heated debate about naval discipline, the potential miscarriage of justice, and the proper...2025-01-2137 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Mystery of the WawinetThe pleasure yacht Wawinet sank on September 21, 1942, in Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada. The Wawinet was owned by retired NHL defenseman Bert Corbeau who played for the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Corbeau was Plant Supervisor at Midland Foundry and Machine Company, of Midland, Ontario, and he was taking the workers out for an evening boating excursion.
Corbeau was an experienced captain and knew the waters and channels very well. The Wawinet suddenly listed over and took on water, just south of Beausoleil Island, and began taking on water. 25 of the 42 men on board, including Corbeau...2025-01-0750 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsShip's Log: The USCGC Blackthorn(This episode was oiginally released in January of 2023.)
On the evening of January 28, 1980 the United States Coast Guard cutter Blackthorn was leaving Tampa Bay on its way to its home base in Galveston, Texas. It was a cool, calm, and pleasant night as the Blackthorn headed out. At the same time, the SS Capricorn was inbound to the bay. Through a series of missteps and miscommunications, the Blackthorn and Capricorn collided almost head-on, killing 23 Coast Guardsmen. Rich's wife Dawn joins the show again as a guest.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich...2024-12-3139 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Burning of HMS GaspeeIn the midst of increased tariffs and enforcement of the Navigation Acts, an angry group of merchants, plantation owners, and residents of Providence, Rhode Island slipped out under the cover of darkness on June 10, 1772, and boarded HMS Gaspee. After a short battle, the Rhode Islanders burned the British vessel, and shot and wounded its commander, Lt. William Duddingston. The Gaspee Affair, as it came to be known, was the result of increased tensions between colonists and the British government. My guest for this episode is Michael Troy, of American Revolution Podcast.
Shipwrecks and Sea...2024-12-1739 min
La Fayette, We Are Here!Bonus - The Raft of the Medusa Part II - From Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThis is part II of our episode swap on The Raft of the Medusa from the great podcast Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs by Rich Napolitano. Enjoy this bonus episode and check out Rich's podcast, it's fantastic!The French frigate Medusa shipwreck is one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history, occurring in 1816 off the coast of present-day Mauritania. The ship, intended to transport French officials to Senegal, ran aground on the Arguin Bank due to the incompetence of its captain, Viscount Hugues de Chaumareys and an arrogant passenger Antoine Richefort, who convinced Chaumareys he was a s...2024-12-1751 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Costa ConcordiaOn the 13th of January, 2012 the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia struck a rocky outcropping off the coast of Italy. The ship lost power and propulsion, and came to rest on its starboard side, just meters from the island of Giglio. Panic and chaos ensued on board, with over 4000 passengers and 1000 crew. Captain Francesco Schettino altered the planned course of his ship to perform a sail-by salute, close to Giglio, without informing Costa operations. His mistress, Moldovan dancer Domnica Cemortan, was on the bridge at the time of the accident. Twenty-seven passengers and five crew were killed in the...2024-12-1046 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Circus Ship: The Royal Tar TragedyThe Royal Tar was a Canadian steamship built in 1835. On October 25, 1836, the ship was on voyage from Eastport, Maine to Portland, Maine. On board were 72 passengers, 21 crew, and a large caravan of animals that were part of a traveling menagerie. The caravan included horses, lions, camels, a tiger, birds, reptiles, and even an elephant. when the ship's boiler ran dry due to a leak. When the boiler became red hot, it ignited the timber and supports above. The crew was unable to control the fire, and were forced to save themselves. Panic ensued, with passengers, crew, and terrified animals t...2024-11-2631 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsDanderfunk, Salt Junk, and Scurvy: Cuisine Aboard ShipsFood aboard ships during the Age of Sail (roughly from the 16th to the 19th centuries) was far from luxurious, chosen for its durability rather than flavor or nutritional value. Sailors were at sea for extended periods with no refrigeration, so provisions had to withstand long voyages. The cuisine was monotonous, barely edible, and nutritionally deficient by modern standards. Sailors endured long periods of hunger and boredom over these meals, but advances over time, such as adding lemon or lime to prevent scurvy, improved their overall diet somewhat.
Joining Rich for this episode is the creator and...2024-11-121h 04
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsA Sailor's Tale: Captain Frank KnowlesCaptain Samuel Francis Knowles began his career on the sea at a very young age, honing his skills as a teenager aboard ships out of Boston. He would go on to captain several ships including the Norway and the Mary S. Ames. Captain Frank survived a fire on board the Norway, with all hands saved, and a hurricane that sank the Mary S. Ames. Throughout his years on the seas, Captain Frank had many adventures, and his legacy lives on through his ships' logs, diaries, and notes. Captain Frank's great-great-granddaughter Amy Giannotti joins me as my guest. Amy is...2024-11-051h 10
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsKidnapped at Sea: David Henry WhiteOn October 9, 1862, David Henry White was kidnapped at sea from the United States merchant ship Tonawanda by Captain Raphael Semmes of the CSS Alabama. The young man was from a free, black family of Lewes, Delaware, and was employed on the Tonawanda by the Cope Line as a passenger cook.
Dr. Andrew Sillen, author of Kidnapped at Sea, discusses the story of David Henry White, his life while enslaved on the CSS Alabama, and the Lost Cause myth proliferated by the memoir of Semmes.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes...2024-10-2256 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsWrecktoberfest! The Skeleton CoastThe Skeleton Coast of Namibia is infamous for the countless shipwrecks scattered along its shores, a haunting reminder of the treacherous conditions mariners have faced for centuries. Thick, unpredictable fogs, strong Atlantic currents, and hidden sandbars have made navigating this coastline perilous, often leading ships to run aground. Some of the wrecks, dating as far back as the early Portuguese explorers, remain visible today, slowly being reclaimed by the sands. The coast earned its name because of these wrecks and the skeletal remains of whales, seals, elephants, and even humans found on its shores.
Notable shipwrecks, like...2024-10-0819 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Ocean Ranger DisasterThe Ocean Ranger disaster occurred on February 15, 1982, when the semi-submersible offshore drilling rig sank off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, in the North Atlantic. A severe winter storm caused massive waves and hurricane-force winds, leading to water breaching the rig’s ballast control room. A series of mechanical and human errors in handling the flooding worsened the situation, and eventually, the rig capsized. Tragically, all 84 crew members on board died, marking the worst disaster in Canadian offshore oil exploration history.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at https://www...2024-09-2444 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsShips of The Crusades with Dr. Nicholas MortonShips of the Crusades
Joining me for this episode is Dr. Nicholas Morton, Associate Professor with the School of Arts and Humanities at Nottingham Trent University. Dr. Morton has written many books, including The Mongol Storm: Making and Breaking Empires in the Medieval Near East.
The Crusades were a series of religious wars initiated by European Christians between the 11th and 13th centuries, aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim control. These campaigns involved significant military efforts that spanned several decades, resulting in ongoing conflicts between European powers and Muslim territories in the Middle...2024-09-101h 02
The History Things PodcastHTP EP 78: The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald w/Rich Napolitano (Shipwrecks & Sea Dogs Podcast)Send us a textThe boys are back with another shipwreck and who better to talk shipwrecks with than the host of the Shipwrecks & Sea Dogs podcast, Rich Napolitano! Rich gives us a deep dive on one of the most famous shipwrecks in both history and pop culture, the Edmund Fitzgerald.The Big Fitz was the pride of the Great Lakes, a massive ore hauler that did the run from Wisconsin down to Detroit, Michigan. This trip took tons upon tons of ore over the dangerous waters of the Great Lakes, particularly those of Lake...2024-09-022h 22
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsSS Marine Electric: The Wreck That Changed The Coast GuardThe bulk carrier SS Marine Electric went down on February 12th, 1983, 30 miles off the coast of Virginia during a severe winter storm. The World War 2 era ship had been been deteriorating for years and suffered from rust, corrosion, failed pumps, and faulty safety features that the ship's owners, Marine Transport Lines had neglected to repair. Only 3 out of 34 crewmembers survived the wreck. Many Coast Guard reforms were developed as a result of this tragedy, including the formation of the US Coast Guard rescue swimmer program.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can...2024-08-281h 00
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Halifax Explosion of 1917The Halifax Explosion of 1917 occurred on December 6 when the SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship laden with explosives, collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo in the narrow harbor of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The collision caused a massive explosion that devastated the surrounding area, resulting in approximately 2,000 deaths and injuring around 9,000 people. The blast obliterated buildings, started fires, and triggered a tsunami, causing widespread destruction in Halifax and the neighboring community of Dartmouth. It was the largest man-made explosion prior to the development of nuclear weapons, leaving a lasting impact on the city.
Written...2024-08-0642 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsUSS ThresherThe USS Thresher (SSN-593) was a nuclear-powered submarine that tragically sank on April 10, 1963, during a deep-diving test about 220 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. This disaster resulted in the loss of all 129 crew members and civilians on board, marking the deadliest submarine disaster in U.S. history. The Thresher's sinking highlighted critical flaws in submarine design and emergency response procedures, leading to the implementation of the SUBSAFE program, which significantly improved the safety and reliability of subsequent U.S. Navy submarines. The exact cause of the sinking remains undetermined, but it is believed to involve a combination of mechanical...2024-07-2354 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsLord Thomas Cochrane: The Sea Wolf (Part 2)Lord Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald (1775-1860), was a daring and influential British naval officer renowned for his unconventional tactics and audacious exploits during the Napoleonic Wars. Known for his strategic brilliance and fearless leadership, Cochrane earned a reputation as one of the most successful frigate captains in the Royal Navy, particularly for his devastating raids on enemy ships and coastal installations. His innovative use of fireships and his bold attacks on French and Spanish vessels contributed significantly to British naval victories. Beyond his naval career, Cochrane was also a reformer in politics, advocating for naval and parliamentary...2024-07-1130 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsLord Thomas Cochrane: The Sea Wolf (Part 1)Lord Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald (1775-1860), was a daring and influential British naval officer renowned for his unconventional tactics and audacious exploits during the Napoleonic Wars. Known for his strategic brilliance and fearless leadership, Cochrane earned a reputation as one of the most successful frigate captains in the Royal Navy, particularly for his devastating raids on enemy ships and coastal installations. His innovative use of fireships and his bold attacks on French and Spanish vessels contributed significantly to British naval victories. Beyond his naval career, Cochrane was also a reformer in politics, advocating for naval and parliamentary...2024-07-0939 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Fiery Last Voyage of the Lakonia (1963)The Lakonia was launched in 1929 as the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt (JVO) of the Netherlands Line as an ocean liner, servicing the route between Europe and the Dutch East Indies. After being converted to a troop ship during World War 2, she returned to passenger service until 1963, when she was sold to the Greek Line. The JVO was refurbished and renamed as the Lakonia, then relaunched as a cruise ship. In December of 1963, the ship was en route from Southampton, England to the Canary Islands with over over 1000 passengers and crew when a fire broke out in the hair salon, caused...2024-06-2532 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Victoria Day DisasterThe 1881 Steamboat Victoria disaster in London, Ontario, Canada, remains one of the most tragic maritime accidents in Canadian history. On May 24, 1881, the Victoria, a paddlewheel steamboat, was packed with passengers enjoying a holiday excursion on the Thames River. However, tragedy struck when the boat became unstable, and its boiler came loose from its mountings. The boiler crashed through the support stanchions, causing the upper deck to collapse on those below, and the boat to sink. Over 180 passengers perished.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Orig...2024-06-1133 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsDoña Paz: Asia's TitanicOn 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.shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.
Go AD-FREE by becoming...2024-05-1431 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Zeewijk with Dr. Howard GrayOn the 9th of June, 1727, the Dutch East India Company vessel Zeewijk wrecked on Half Moon Reef of the Houtman Abrolhos, off the coast of Western Australia. The ship was not immediately destroyed and many of the ship's supplies were salvaged and brought to a small nearby coral island, later named Gun Island. After 9 months stranded on the island, the remaining survivors remarkably built a boat out of the scrap of the Zeewijk and sailed over 1600 miles to the Dutch settlement of Batavia on the island of Java.
Author and historian Dr. Howard Gray joins me once...2024-05-0759 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsCatching Up With Team Salty ScienceSalty Science are Chantale Bégin, Isabelle Côté Noelle Helder, and Lauren Shea, and all four of them are marine scientists. In December of 2023, they rowed across the Atlantic Ocean as part of The World's Toughest Row. They finished first in the women's division, and overall 7th out of 38 teams, finishing in front of many of the men's teams as well.
Their objective was to raise money and awareness to support charities focused on marine conservation education. I was able to chat with the team again to discuss the challenges and triumphs of their journey, and the...2024-04-3057 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsFlames of Sorrow: The General Slocum TragedyFor ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod.
The General Slocum shipwreck occurred on June 15, 1904, when the passenger steamboat caught fire while cruising along the East River in New York City. Carrying over 1,300 passengers, primarily members of the German-American community on an annual excursion, the disaster resulted in the loss of over 1,000 lives, mainly women and children. Outdated safety measures, locked gates, malfunctioning lifeboats, and inadequate life vests contributed to the tragedy, prompting significant reforms in maritime safety regulations and leaving a profound...2024-04-2337 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsUS Coast Guard (Retired) Rescue Swimmer PJ OrnotSubscribe 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 emotional moments.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Orig...2024-04-0939 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Baltimore Bridge DisasterOn 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. All episodes can be found at https://ww...2024-03-2711 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsSean Sigfried: The Man Behind the MusicThe 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.shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.
2024-03-2344 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Raft of the Medusa - Part 2The 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 attention and inspired artistic works, such as Théodore Géricault's monumental painting "The Raft of the Medusa," which immortalized the plight of the survivors and the horrors th...2024-03-1952 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Raft of the Medusa - Part 1The 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 attention and inspired artistic works, such as Théodore Géricault's monumental painting "The Raft of the Medusa," which immortalized the plight of the survivors and the horrors th...2024-03-1247 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Sinking of the VasaThe Vasa was a massive warship commissioned by King Gustav II Adolph of Sweden in the early 17th century. Designed to be the pride of the Swedish Navy, construction began in 1626 at the Royal Shipyard in Stockholm, under the supervision of master shipwright Henrik Hybertsson. The Vasa was intended to be a symbol of Sweden's military power and ambition in the Baltic region, with a total of 64 guns arranged on two decks. Its design incorporated the latest advancements in naval architecture, including a sleek hull and a high concentration of firepower.
However, the Vasa's inaugural voyage was...2024-02-2729 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Steamship Pulaski: Lost in the DarkThe Steamship Pulaski was an American steam packet that exploded on June 14, 1838, 40 miles off the coast of North Carolina. The explosion occurred around 11 PM, while the ship was traveling from Charleston, South Carolina to Baltimore, Maryland. The explosion caused the ship to break in two and sink within an hour, killing 128 people and saving about 66.
Survivor Rebecca Lamar published an account of the disaster in 1854, titled, "The Loss of the Steamer Pulaski."
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Original theme music by ...2024-02-1333 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsEl Faro: The Clock is TickingThe sinking of the SS El Faro on October 1, 2015 was a devastating maritime disaster that occurred during Hurricane Joaquin. The American cargo ship, owned by TOTE Maritime, was en route from Jacksonville, Florida, to San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it encountered the powerful hurricane, leading to a distress call reporting a hull breach and severe listing. All 33 crew members tragically lost their lives, prompting investigations that revealed a combination of factors, including decisions made by the captain, malfunctioning equipment, safety concerns, and maintenance issues, all contributing to the disaster. The sinking of El Faro was the worst US commercial...2024-01-301h 06
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsA Chat With Real Pirate, Capt. TonzReal, modern-day pirate Capt. Tonz has led an adventurous and dangerous life on the seas, and has many stories to tell. From a young age, Capt. Tonz struck out on his own as a mariner and learned the tricks of his trade.
Capt. Tonz gives us a little taste of his life-story, and you can hear the rest on his own podcast, Original Pirate Material. Visit https://www.captaintonz.com for more.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Original theme music by Sean S...2024-01-1653 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Final Voyage of SS AtlanticThe 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 rescue efforts by local residents, the combination of rough seas, inadequate life-saving equipment, and the remote location of the...2024-01-021h 12
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsShip's Log: The Summit Venture and the Sunshine Skyway BridgeThis episode was originally released on September 6, 2022.For ad-free access to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and other great history podcasts, subscribe to Into History at intohistory.com/shipwreckspod.On the morning of May 9, 1980, the large freighter Summit Venture smashed into the Sunshine Skyway Bridge while entering Tampa Bay, Florida. The center section of the southbound span was destroyed, killing 35 motorists. This is the story of how it happened, and the tragedy it left in its wake. Rich's guest co-host for this episode is his wife Dawn Napolitano. Both Rich and Dawn grew up in the Tampa...2023-12-0949 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Royal Navy's WW2 Assault on the French FleetIn 1940, after Nazi Germany's Western Europe invasion, France capitulated and became a puppet state, while Britain stood alone against Germany. Concerned about the French Naval fleet surrendering to Germany, Britain proposed an ultimatum to Vichy France, leading to a breakdown in their alliance. The events led to intense battles at Mers-El-Kebir and Dakar involving leading military figures of the period.
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 Mem...2023-11-2858 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Wreck of the Edmund FitzgeraldThe SS Edmund Fitzgerald was an American Great Lakes freighter that sank in Lake Superior during a storm on November 10, 1975. The ship's crew of 29 men were all lost. She 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 mysterious 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 Supe...2023-11-1443 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsWrecktoberfest Throwback: The Ghosts of the Queen MaryThe RMS Queen Mary has had a long and storied past as an ocean liner, transport ship during the war, and now as a museum ship. Undoubtedly, the ship has seen many deaths in board, and note then a few tales have been told of paranormal experiences in her halls.Joining Rich for this episode as co-host is his wife Dawn Napolitano.Voice acting by Allen Nail.For ad-free access, bonus content, and exclusive events to many fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History at intohistory.com/shipwreckspod.2023-11-0128 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsAmerican Revolution: The Battle of UshantBonus episode! American Revolution Podcast by Michael Troy.
British Admiral Augustus Keppel and French Admiral Louis Guillouet, the comte d'Orvilliers lead fleets into the Atlantic. Each hope to destroy the other's fleet. After a relatively inconclusive battle at sea both battered fleets return to port. Disputes between top officers end careers on both sides. British Admirals Keppel and Palliser create a rift that divides naval officers and political leaders for a generation.
Visit https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic.
Written, edited, and produced...2023-10-3134 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe RMS RepublicIn 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 Napolitano. All episodes can be found...2023-10-1743 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsWild West Extravaganza: The Arrest of Annie OakleyAugust 1903. The famous Annie Oakley is arrested in Chicago for theft, a crime committed in order to obtain money to fuel her cocaine habit. And what a headline that made. America’s original sweetheart, the tiny sharpshooter who once entertained kings and queens, now reduced to petty thievery. Wasn’t long before newspapers throughout the country began to report on this fall from grace.
Enter in William Randolph Hearst, son of mining tycoon George Hearst, who ruled a media empire and had his eye on the white house. There was no story too sensational or salacious for him...2023-10-1126 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsReturn to the Andrea DoriaThe 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 AD-FREE by becoming a Patreon Officer...2023-10-0335 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsBlackbeard and the Queen Anne's RevengePirate 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 battle with British naval forces off the coast of North Carolina in 1718.
2023-09-1958 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsHer Half of History: World War 1 Spy Mata HariMata 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. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.2023-09-1232 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsRowing For Change: Salty ScienceIn December 2023, the women of the Salty Science team will row 3000 miles unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean, participating in the "World's Toughest Row." Starting in the Canary Islands and ending at Antigua, they will row unsupported and be completely self-sufficient. They have committed their lives to understanding the threats facing our oceans and are raising money for three amazing organizations that are fighting to protect our oceans and its resources. The four women of Salty Science are a multigenerational team of marine scientists connected through years of research, mentorship, and education, and have a common penchant for pushing our...2023-09-0729 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Wrecks of North Sentinel IslandNorth 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.
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Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs Merchandise is...2023-09-0525 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsMaritime Pilot Capt. Carolyn KurtzCaptain 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://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.
2023-08-221h 01
Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs2 Complicated 4 History: Press GangsEver heard a story of someone being hit on the head at a bar and ending up on a British naval vessel? Dr. Denver Brunsman studies the process in between! He joins Isaac S. Loftus and Dr. Lynn Price Robbins to discuss impressment gangs and privateers - in other words, legal pirates in the 18th century. It's another world on the water.
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 Patreo...2023-08-1558 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Ancient Uluburun ShipwreckAn 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, Egyptians, Cypriots, Canaanites, Hittites, and Mitanni.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All...2023-08-081h 35
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsJohn Paul Jones: Terror of the EnglishJohn 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 merchant ships. His remarkable achievements, including the capture of enemy ships and the establishment of a foundation for American naval power...2023-07-2543 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Cod WarsThe 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 theme music by Sean Sigfried.
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Join at https://www.patr...2023-07-1141 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe SS ArcticIn 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, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes...2023-06-2745 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Sinking of the SS Pacific (1875)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.shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.
Go AD-FR...2023-06-1334 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Fiery Demise of the Georges PhilipparThe 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 surrounded the accident as political jockeying was ramping up in the years leading up to World War 2.
...2023-05-3025 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Lost Lady: The Lady ElginIn 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 Napolitano. All episodes can be found at https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.
Go...2023-05-1645 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsTragedy & Courage: The Lulworth HillAuthor 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 circled them. After 50 days adrift, only Colin Armitage and Kenneth Cooke were alive when they were rescued...2023-05-0248 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsCaptain James CookCaptain James Cook was one of the most successful explorers and navigators of the 18th century. His scientific discoveries and charting of the Pacific islands, New Zealand, and Australia proved invaluable. But his legacy is tarnished with the baggage of colonialism, racism, and conflicts that are still felt today. His three Pacific voyages were legendary, and he would pay for them with his life.
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...2023-04-1854 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe London Cellar Murderer w/Reyna from Those Murder Girls PodcastThis bonus episode is a collaboration with Reyna from Those Murder Girls Podcast. Reyna is a friend of the show and her podcast is one of my all-time favorite True Crime podcasts. For those who listened to the Empress of Ireland episode, I briefly described how Captain Henry Kendall helped capture Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen, the London Cellar Murderer, using the newly installed Marconi wireless set. This bonus episode tells the whole story of that murder, the coverup, and the capture of Dr. Crippen and his accomplice Ethel LeNeve. I hope you enjoy! Remember to rate and review, subscribe...2023-04-1127 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsBatavia's Graveyard - Part 3Dr. Howard Gray joins me again for this final installment of Batavia's Graveyard. Jeronimus Cornelisz and his fellow mutineers begin their reign of terror on the other survivors of the Batavia shipwreck. Cornelisz orders the senseless murders of countless survivors. Francisco Pelsaert, Ariaen Jacobsz and over 40 others reach the Dutch settlement of Batavia on the island of Java in the longboat, and Pelsaert is dispatched with a rescue ship to recover survivors and cargo. Meanwhile Cornelisz launches attacks on Wiebbe Hayes and his soldiers on West Wallabi Island. Pelsaert arrives just in time during a pitched battle. Cornelisz and...2023-04-041h 11
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsBatavia's Graveyard - Part 2In Part 2 of Batavia's Graveyard, the Batavia and its crew depart Table Bay in southern Africa and continue their voyage to the Dutch East Indies. The Schipper, Ariaen Jacobs had just been publicly dressed down in front of the crew for his drunken rowdiness, and both Jacobsz and Jeronimus Cornelisz begin planning a mutiny. As the ship races across the Indian Ocean, they run into an unexpected archipelago of coral islands, the Houtman's Abrolhos, off the coast of Western Australia. The Batavia is wrecked, and those on board struggle to make it to dry land. Pelsaert and Jacobsz depart...2023-03-2846 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsBatavia's Graveyard - Part 1In 1628, the Dutch East India Company sent its brand new flagship vessel Batavia from The Netherlands on a voyage to the settlement of Batavia (modern day Jakarta) in the Dutch East Indies. The cast of characters on board would produce one of the most bizarre maritime stories in history. After being wrecked on Houtman Abrolhos archipelago off the coast of Western Australia, a horrible tragedy of survival, manipulation, torture, sexual assault, and murder took place at the hands of the monstrous Jeronimus Cornelisz.
Dr. Howard Gray joins me as my guest for this multipart...2023-03-2148 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsBlack Sam Bellamy & The Whydah GallySamuel Bellamy, or "Black Sam" Bellamy, was an extraordinarily successful pirate, albeit for a very short time. Called the "Robin Hood of the Seas," he abhorred violence, treated his victims humanely, and was very generous to his men. When he and his fleet captured the slave ship Whydah Gally, he scored a huge payday, but it all wound up lost for almost 300 years when the Whydah was wrecked in a storm off Cape Cod in 1717. This is the story of the Gentleman Pirate, a ship laden with riches, and the discovery of its treasure. Local historian Rob Skahan is...2023-03-0735 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Carlskrona: Pearl of the Swedish NavyThe Carlskrona was a 19th century corvette of the Swedish Navy. In 1846, the fast but unstable ship encountered a freak storm which came out of nowhere in the Florida Strait. The crew was not able to adjust the sails fast enough and the ship went down, with only 17 survivors ever making it back to Sweden. Author and historian Jens Kuhn 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 AD-FREE by becoming a Patreon Officer...2023-02-2137 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Wrecks of the U-53On October 7, 1916 the German U-Boat U-53 showed up unexpectedly at Newport Harbor, Rhode Island. World War 1 was raging, although the United States remained firmly neutral. The U-53 captain, Hans Rose, paid courtesy visits to local US Navy commanders, and in return had them visit his U-Boat. The visit was friendly and accommodating, if not a bit strange. Curious onlookers snapped photos and gathered their boats around the U-53. The next morning, the U-53 commenced sinking Allied ships, and within 24 hours the U-53 sank 3 UK ships, 1 Norwegian ship, and 1 Dutch ship. Seventeen US Destroyers were dispatched to rescue survivors, but...2023-02-0752 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe USCGC BlackthornOn the evening of January 28, 1980, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn was leaving Tampa Bay on its way to its home base in Galveston, Texas. It was a cool, calm, and pleasant night as the Blackthorn headed out. At the same time, the SS Capricorn was inbound to the bay. Through a series of missteps and miscommunications, the Blackthorn and Capricorn collided, almost head-on, killing 23 Coast Guardsmen. Rich's wife Dawn joins the show again as a guest.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found at https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.co...2023-01-2440 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Achille LauroThe Achille Lauro has a storied history from its beginnings as a Dutch-built ship in wartorn Netherlands. Several accidents and mishaps plagued the ship before being purchased by the Italian Flotto Lauro Line and transformed into a beautiful and stylish passenger liner. The Achille Lauro made international news in 1985 when it was hijacked off the coast of Egypt by members of the Palestinian Liberation Front, resulting in the death of Leon Klinghofer and a tense political standoff. In 1994 an engine fire erupted during a voyage from Genoa to South Africa. The fire raged out of control causing the passengers...2023-01-1029 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe SS EastlandOn July 24th, 1915, the SS Eastland rolled on its side in the Chicago River, just 19 feet from the dock, killing 844 people. The ship, along with 4 others were scheduled to transport over 7000 employees of the Western Electric company to a fun-filled day at the company's annual outing. Paul Durica, Director of Exhibitions at the Chicago History Museum joins me.
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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Join at...2022-12-131h 02
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsEmpress of Ireland: Canada's TitanicThe Empress of Ireland was a luxurious and beautiful steamship of the early 20th century, carrying passengers across the North Atlantic between Quebec City and Liverpool. She and her sister ship, the Empress of Britain, were an important cog during the peak of Canadian immigration. In the early morning hours of 29 May, 1914, the Empress of Ireland collided with the Norwegian ship Storstad in dense fog on the St. Lawrence River. Over 1000 people on the Empress of Ireland perished, and more passengers died than on the Titanic just two years prior. Because of the massive loss of life, she has...2022-11-2943 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsHugo Vihlen: Record Breaking Sea DogIn 1968, Hugo Vihlen broke the record for crossing the Atlantic Ocean in the smallest vessel when he crossed in his 6 foot long vessel April Fool. Thirty-five years later, at age 61, he again broke the record in his 5 foot 4 inch vessel Father's Day. He served as a combat pilot in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, was a pilot for Delta Airlines, and wrote two books about his record breaking voyages. I had the pleasure of interviewing Hugo and hearing his first hand account of his experiences.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich...2022-11-1547 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsWrecktoberfest Volume 2: Ghosts of the Queen MaryThe RMS Queen Mary long served as a luxury passenger liner for the Cunard White Star Line. Her speed and beauty made her one of the finest ships on the water, and she even served as a transport ship during World War 2. Since being retired to Long Beach, California, she has earned the reputation as being one of the most haunted places in the world. Many of the ship's crew and guests have claimed to have experienced paranormal activity throughout its long history.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes can be found...2022-10-3131 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsWrecktoberfest Volume 1: Ourang Medan & St. Augustine LighthouseWrecktoberfest special! The spooky tales of the ghost ship Ourang Medan, and the haunted St. Augustine Lighthouse. The Ourang Medan might be the creepiest ghost ship of all time, with all of its crew found dead, frozen in panic stricken terror. And the former residents of the St. Augustine Lighthouse don't seem to want to leave. Their spirits haunt the lighthouse to this day.
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...2022-10-1826 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Andrea Doria: Pride of ItalyThe luxury passenger line Andrea Doria was the pride of post World War 2 Italy. The ship was the embodiment of beauty. In 1956, she and the Swedish ship Stockholm collided during dense fog off Nantucket Island. This is the story of the loss of one of the most luxurious ships in history. I am joined by professional diver, author, and researcher Andrea Murdock Alpini.
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...2022-10-0448 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Tragedy of The EstoniaIn 1994 the passenger and vehicle ferry MV Estonia sank in the Baltic Sea during a violent storm. 852 of the 989 on board were lost, despite being in communication with other nearby ships. The cause of the ship's demise remains disputed and controversial.
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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...2022-09-2029 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe Summit Venture & Sunshine Skyway BridgeOn the morning of May 9, 1980, the large freighter Summit Venture smashed into the Sunshine Skyway Bridge while entering Tampa Bay, Florida. The center section of the southbound span was destroyed, killing 35 motorists. This is the story of how it happened, and the tragedy it left in its wake. Rich's guest co-host for this episode is his wife Dawn.
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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Join at...2022-09-0652 min
Shipwrecks and Sea DogsThe SS Sultana - Part 2The S.S. Sultana was transporting former Union prisoners of war at the end of the American Civil War when it suddenly exploded on April 27th, 1865. Jerry Potter, author of The Sultana Tragedy: America's Greatest Maritime Disaster, offers fantastic insight and perspective into this horrible shipwreck. An estimated 1200 people lost their lives due to greed, corruption, negligence, and incompetence.
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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Join a...2022-08-2442 min