Maritime Losses and Shipwrecks of 1878
The late 19th century was an era of global expansion and intense maritime trade, but it was also a period of significant peril for those at sea. The year 1878 saw a wide array of maritime casualties, ranging from sudden collisions and devastating fires to vessels succumbing to the unpredictable elements of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
These losses involved a diverse fleet of vessels, including barques (three-masted sailing ships), schooners (fore-and-aft rigged vessels), and the emerging technology of ironclads (steam-propelled warships protected by iron armor). From the treacherous coasts of New Jersey to the remote waters of New Guinea, the records of 1878 provide a sobering glimpse into the risks of historical seafaring.
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Key Facts
- Global Reach: Shipwrecks occurred across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, affecting vessels from the UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Japan.
- Common Causes: Major causes of loss included collisions, fire, grounding on reefs, and foundering (filling with water and sinking).
- High Mortality: Several vessels, such as the Cordelia, Cunard, and Egremont Castle, were lost with all hands.
- Diverse Vessel Types: Losses spanned various ship types, including steamships, brigs, ketches, and naval ironclads.
Detailed Analysis of Maritime Casualties
Atlantic Ocean and Coastal Americas
The Atlantic remained one of the most dangerous routes. The Advocate, a UK barque traveling from New York to Scotland, capsized between May and June, though its crew was saved by the Norwegian vessel N. B. Palmer. In North America, the Confederate sank off Brier Island, Nova Scotia, after a collision, though it was later refloated. The Cunard suffered a more tragic fate off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, resulting in the loss of all fourteen crew members.
The coast of New Jersey was particularly hazardous. The D. C. Bradley and the New Jersey were both lost in the vicinity of "Squan," a regional term referring to the coastline between Manasquan and Barnegat Inlet. Additionally, the Maggie McDonald was lost at Wreck Pond Inlet.
European and Mediterranean Incidents
European waters saw numerous accidents. The Cypress, a UK steamship, was wrecked at Palavas-les-Flots, France. In the North Sea and surrounding areas, the Ane Kjerstine capsized while traveling from the Ottoman Empire to Belgium, eventually being towed to France. The R. E. Miles, a ketch, foundered off Cornwall, leading to the loss of all crew members.
The Esther Smeed provides a notable example of navigational error; after running ashore on the Swedish island of Gotska Sandön in calm weather, a subsequent storm caused the ship to fill with water and be abandoned.
Asia-Pacific and Global Voyages
Farther afield, the Agnes was wrecked on a reef in the Capricorn Islands, Queensland, while sailing from Sydney to Townsville. In the Pacific, the Fire Queen was wrecked in Sendai Bay, and the Langley became a total loss after striking a rock in Alaska's Chatham Strait.
One of the more unusual incidents involved the Dove. After being attacked at Threshold Bay, the crew abandoned the ship near New Guinea when they sighted the Launcelot, eventually reaching Yokohama, Japan.
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Summary of Notable Shipwrecks
| Ship Name | State/Flag | Vessel Type | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advocate | United Kingdom | Barque | Capsized; crew rescued |
| Cunard | United States | Schooner | Lost; all 14 crew perished |
| Fusō | Imperial Japanese Navy | Ironclad | Grounded in Suez Canal; repaired |
| Cordelia | United Kingdom | Barque | Presumed foundered; all 15 crew lost |
| Primavera | Italy | Barque | Destroyed by fire |
| Marchman | United Kingdom | Ship | Foundered; crew rescued after 22 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the ship Fusō?
The Fusō, an ironclad of the Imperial Japanese Navy, ran aground in the Suez Canal. This incident damaged her propellers, but she was successfully refloated and taken to Suez, Egypt, for necessary repairs.
Which vessels were lost with all hands?
Based on the records, the Cordelia (15 crew), the Cunard (14 crew), and the Egremont Castle are presumed to have been lost with all hands.
What does the term "Squan" refer to in these records?
"Squan" was a contemporary term used to describe the coast of New Jersey near Manasquan. It could refer specifically to the 7-nautical-mile stretch between Manasquan Inlet and Cranberry Inlet, or more broadly to the coast between Sea Girt and Barnegat Inlet.
How was the crew of the Marchman rescued?
After the Marchman foundered in the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, the seventeen crew members took to boats. They survived at sea for 22 days before being rescued by the vessel Brittain.
What caused the loss of the Primavera?
The Primavera, an Italian barque sailing from Hull to Montevideo, was destroyed by fire at sea between July 17 and September 27. Some of her crew were rescued by the US barque John Shephard.