The Sinking of SS Arctic - September 27, 1854

Background

The SS Arctic was one of the first great ocean liners, part of the Collins Line — a prestigious American maritime company competing with British rivals for transatlantic supremacy. Built in 1850, SS Arctic was celebrated for its speed and luxury, symbolizing American innovation and prowess in the mid-19th century.

The Collision

On September 27, 1854, the SS Arctic was en route from Liverpool to New York City. Off the coast of Newfoundland, in thick fog, the American liner collided with a much smaller French iron screw steamer, the Vesta. Despite the Vesta’s size, the collision caused significant damage to the Arctic. Unfortunately, the severity of the collision was initially underestimated. The Vesta survived because its iron construction withstood the impact, but the Arctic, constructed of wood, sustained catastrophic damage below the waterline.

Tragic Aftermath

The aftermath of the collision was disastrous. The ship’s pumps failed, and the lifeboat protocol was poorly managed, resulting in chaos. Only six out of the eventual two hundred twenty-two passengers and crew survived. Notably, many of the men in the crew allegedly panicked, attempting to save themselves rather than securing the safety of the women and children onboard. As a result, the majority of the survivors were crew members, with very few passengers making it out alive.

Impact and Significance

The sinking of the SS Arctic shocked the American public and the international maritime community, highlighting the growing pains of early transatlantic travel and the need for improved safety regulations. It was one of the first major maritime disasters of the steamship era and led to increased scrutiny on passenger ship safety. The disaster, marked by significant human loss and perceived cowardice, spurred demands for new maritime policies, including better life-saving measures and the establishment of more stringent operational guidelines for steamships.