French steamship disaster of 1856 found off Massachusetts coast

In August 2024, a shipwreck hunting group named D/V Tenacious announced the discovery of the French passenger steamship Le Lyonnais, which sank in 1856. The ship was located approximately 140 miles east of Nantucket, Massachusetts, after eluding discovery for over 150 years. Le Lyonnais was on a voyage from the United States to France when it collided with an American sailing ship named Adriatic, resulting in the tragic loss of 114 out of 132 passengers on board. The Adriatic did not stop to assist after the collision. Jennifer Sellitti, a lawyer and historian who authored a book titled "The Adriatic Affair: A Maritime Hit-and-Run off the Coast of Nantucket," expressed that finding the wreckage provides closure to the families affected by the disaster. The ship was built in England in 1855 and met its fate shortly after its launch. The discovery of Le Lyonnais is significant not only for historical reasons but also for maritime archaeology, as it sheds light on the dangers of sea travel in the 19th century. D/V Tenacious has chosen not to disclose the exact location of the wreck to prevent treasure hunters from disturbing the site. The team plans to return to the dive site for further exploration and research. This find highlights the ongoing interest in maritime history and the importance of preserving such sites for future generations. The sinking of Le Lyonnais serves as a reminder of the perils faced by early steamship travel and the human stories behind maritime disasters. The event has now been brought back into public consciousness, allowing for reflection on the lives lost and the historical context of the tragedy.