In a remarkable discovery, the wreckage of the French steamship Le Lyonnais, which sank in 1856, has been found off the coast of Massachusetts. This historic vessel, lost for over a century, met its tragic end after a collision with another ship, the Adriatic. The discovery, made by the Atlantic Wreck Salvage team, brings closure to a long-standing maritime mystery and honors the memory of the 114 passengers and crew who perished in the disaster.
The Tragic Voyage of Le Lyonnais
Le Lyonnais embarked on its ill-fated journey from New York to Le Havre, France, on November 2, 1856. The ship, equipped with both sails and a steam engine, was a marvel of its time. However, disaster struck when it collided with the Adriatic, a sailing vessel, causing a small but fatal hole in its hull. Despite efforts to patch the damage, the ship sank three days later, claiming the lives of most on board.
The collision occurred in the dark of night, adding to the chaos and confusion. The Adriatic, believing the damage to be minor, continued on its course, leaving Le Lyonnais to fend for itself. The crew and passengers faced a harrowing ordeal as they attempted to escape in lifeboats, but the cold Atlantic waters and stormy weather proved too much for many. Only 16 survivors were eventually rescued by a passing German barque, the Elise.
The Search and Discovery
For decades, the exact location of Le Lyonnais remained a mystery. Numerous expeditions attempted to locate the wreck, but it wasn’t until 2016 that the Atlantic Wreck Salvage team, led by Jennifer Sellitti and Joe Mazraani, began a focused search. Using advanced side-scan sonar technology, they meticulously scanned the seafloor, narrowing down the search area based on historical records and survivor accounts.
In August 2024, the team finally located the wreckage approximately 200 miles from New Bedford, Massachusetts. The discovery was confirmed by identifying distinctive features of the ship, including its horizontal steam engine and iron hull plates. The team plans to continue exploring the site to document and preserve artifacts, providing valuable insights into 19th-century maritime history.
Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of Le Lyonnais is not just a triumph for the shipwreck hunters but also a poignant reminder of the lives lost in the tragedy. The wreckage, buried in sand and largely deteriorated, serves as a maritime time capsule, offering a glimpse into the past. Artifacts recovered from the site will be studied and preserved, contributing to our understanding of the ship’s construction and the events leading up to its sinking.
This find also highlights the advancements in underwater exploration technology. The use of side-scan sonar and other modern techniques has revolutionized the field, enabling researchers to uncover long-lost shipwrecks with greater accuracy. The story of Le Lyonnais, from its construction to its tragic end, will now be preserved for future generations, ensuring that the memory of those who perished is honored.
