The Disappearance of the SS Pacific (1856)

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1856 was a winter of heavier ice than usual in the North Atlantic, claiming several ships, including the second ship of the Collins Line, the Pacific, which disappeared almost without a trace, save for one note in a bottle. Learn all there is to know (which isn't much) in this documentary on this strange disappearance.
3D Ocean design by Michael at 3d-illusions.co.uk/

[@randomrazr]

crazy back in this era, these ships were essentially on their own. no morse code or any form of communication

[@Grichal1981]

I would have thought it would be sensible for them to travel in convoys, so if one got in trouble........

[@maarekstele2998]

@@Grichal1981 that idea probably got shot down by petty company rivalry

[@Raiche58]

@@maarekstele2998 You mean bean counters.

[@TheDroppedAnchor]

@Geichal. I'm going out on a limb here (and from the numerous comments below, it proves to be a very thin limb) but it seems to me "convoy" is a WWII invention as a defensive response to offensive German wolfpack submarine tactic.

[@TorontoJediMaster]

@@TheDroppedAnchor Convoys had actually begun in World War I. It *was* a defensive response to U-Boats though, as ships sailing on their own were far easier prey. Wolfpack attacks by U-Boats weren't really an issue in World War I. (The U-Boat commanders attempted the tactic but without success, as the concept was too new and they hadn't gotten it down correctly yet.). One of the first attempt wolfpack attacks was in the English Channel against a troop convoy in May of 1918. That resulted in U-103 (which was coordinating the attack) being rammed and sunk by "RMS Olympic".

[@DMZub13]

I can't get over the absolute horror and dread that the passengers and crew must have felt, knowing the ship was slowly going down and knowing that there was no hope of rescue. Bad enough to be on there as a lone adult, but to imagine travelling with your family and children, helpless to save them and knowing that you were all doomed.

[@davidpowell6098]

True, the feelings of complete helplessness must be a horrifying thing, knowing there is absolutely no way to survive, no hope of rescue, and never seeing your loved ones again, whilst the cruel sea takes its sacrifice. An horrific end for anyone.

[@bobgillis1137]

I notice there were lanyards hanging off the side of the rendering of the ship, presumably for lifeboats..I wonder if they were deployed ?

[@theogeffrelot983]

@@bobgillis1137 Maybe. Since the ship was sinking slowly, they would have time to launch some lifeboats. Unfortunately, it came to nothing since they were all alone in the middle of the Atlantic. No radio, no morse code, no way to call any nearby ship for help. The few temporary survivors would have slowly died of hunger, thirst or exposure to the cold air, a much more horrific doom than anyone who fell into the freezing waters (half an hour of survival at best, no suffering for days). The same fate that would have struck Titanic's survivors, were it not Jack Philipps and Harold Bride hardworking to warn the Carpathia and fix the broken telegraph only hours before the disaster struck (or Carpathia's radio operator having gone to bed one minute earlier).

[@KevinBrownjr]

@@bobgillis1137 even if the lifeboats were successfully launched it’s possible they may have been too far away from land to row to shore. If you remeber or have seen Tom’s SS Arctic documentary two of the lifeboats rowed to shore from the SS Arctic about 40 miles from land, and it took them 2 days to do that. If it takes 2 days to row just 40 miles imagine how long it would take at 100 miles away. If you’re too far away from shore to row there safely and before your rations run out, you’re only hope is to be rescued by a passing ship. Even if the lifeboats were successfully deployed, they were probably too far from land and no ship noticed them so those who may have managed to survive the sinking itself, all died out in the lifeboats either from exposure to the weather or depleted rations.

[@matthewschweim3463]

Never really been interested in ships or shipwrecks until I saw your channel. You're definitely making a difference in terms of drawing interest into shipping history. Great work

[@lucasmvelosa]

literally, i never thought i’d be interested in this stuff but he makes me glued to the screen

[@housemana]

during this period, the Seas were just as unexplored and foreign as the Moon, and Mars, is to us. under that context, it is amazing to hear of these stories and learn about these periods of history.

[@BRIDGETTWC]

Agreed 👍

[@waynemaclennan3952]

100 % you speak very well - and hold my attention

[@waynemaclennan3952]

You speak very well ❤️

[@nicholashext474]

The Collins Line ships were so beautiful, and very modern-looking when compared to other paddle-steamers of the period. It's such a shame that the line was effectively crippled by unreasonable and hostile conditions set on their mail contract.

[@brandymcnamee7880]

Politicians: scummy then, scummy now. Some things never change.

[@StagnantGravy69]

@@brandymcnamee7880 Agreed, only now, they don't force a shipping company to have their ships travel at full speed at all times. Now they do far worse things.

[@MajorMasonGaming]

@@StagnantGravy69 for example?

[@CarolynEmory420]

@@MajorMasonGaming your tshirt is made by 5 year olds in a land far away

[@hairglowingkyle4572]

@@MajorMasonGaming stealing people's money lol

[@chrishickory7907]

These types of shipwrecks, where the ship is never found and is shrouded in mystery, always are incredibly eerie and thought provoking.

[@stevensmith4369]

They have found the pacific since this video has been made

[@wootle]

Sometimes, very rarely, very VERY rarely the YT algorithm strikes gold. This is one of those times. I just came across you channel. Truly excellent content. You put the History Channel and Nat Geo to shame with the calibre of your work. Truly amazing, subbed!

[@wootle]

@Talk Talk radio how do you know all this? What if I want to call on Thor or Wonder Woman?

[@ghamandlupin]

The algorithm regularly suggests good videos for me

[@brianbaxter2595]

Being a former sailor myself, I really enjoying your stories and appreciate all your efforts to bring them back to life.

[@TheDroppedAnchor]

Being a retired marine engineer, I applaud your comment.

[@andrewblack293]

Sailor here as well :)

[@themerchantofengland]

Hi all, a present sailor here and getting ready for a 2 week shift on Tuesday, working on windfarms off Sth East England, fair winds ship mates😉

[@peterfile2185]

Ah you guys were seamen?

[@miapdx503]

God bless you all, everyone who sets out to sea. You're a special breed, with more courage than most. I wish you calm seas and good fortune. 🌹

[@johnreed8336]

Thank you for keeping these ships names alive . Think it's very important so we do not forget the lessons of the past .

[@user-uu1nw1bl9j]

What lessons? We only kept building more ships and bigger ships, increasing the number of casualties. Losing just 300 souls is quite the achievement compared to the 1900s.

[@rmsteutonic3686]

@@user-uu1nw1bl9j but look how much safer they are. Even titanic was extremely safe

[@user-uu1nw1bl9j]

@@rmsteutonic3686 Yeah good thing all those peoples died. Totally worth having save ships.

[@DVincentW]

I'm fascinated by these stories. Great research and telling of maritime history.

[@RJFPme]

New subscriber here. As a lifelong Great Lakes resident. My younger years spent on the shores of Lake Michigan to my current location with Lake Superior in my backyard . The shipwrecks of these mighty Great Lakes have always mesmerizing me. Your stories bring to light the other horrors sailors have experienced throughout the maritime industry. I do not envy these men contemplating their final hours as nature’s fury takes its place as the master of all who dare traverse her waters. R.I.P. to those that parish at 🌊 sea. Condolences to the loved ones and friends left behind.

[@ToreDL87]

Been reading about the captain and his exploits. "A Collins Line steamer arriving in Liverpool (which had left New York two days before Red Jacket) reported that Red Jacket was just astern. As she entered the harbor, tugs tried to get lines aboard the clipper but she was traveling too fast. Thousands, alerted by the Collins Liner, watched as Eldridge shortened sail and backed the vessel into its berth. " Thats reckless beyond compare but still darn good seamanship!

[@andorwid1880]

I think its hard to estimate for us now, how important these ships were then and how terrifying their loss. We all remember the worlds reaction, when MH370 was lost. But this is different. These Ships were the first glimpse of a connected world, that could be traveled by (nearly) all. The first shine of globalism. Imagine all that hope struck down by weeks of anxiousness, as the fact slowly drills into you, that if will never make port. The loss of these ships literally made the world a bigger and emptier place

[@admiralmallard7500]

Ĵjĵujíijjijiĵujjjjuiiu

[@admiralmallard7500]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@Iron-Bridge]

@andor: This is so well put. 👏

[@MichaelD8393]

That poem is just chills the whole way through. Charles Hedges put the reader in the mindset of the family or friends of those lost with the _Pacific._ You can feel the sensation of hope, fear & anxiety in every word.

[@atomicwedgie8176]

Sailing from Great Britain to New York, I guess you could call her Coastal; But no one could surmise the great surprise, that in the end, she would end up going Postal.................

[@MichaelD8393]

@@atomicwedgie8176 Nice, was that part of the poem, or did you make that up?

[@atomicwedgie8176]

@@MichaelD8393 Yes

[@MichaelD8393]

@@atomicwedgie8176 So you came up with it?

[@atomicwedgie8176]

@@MichaelD8393 Guilty as charged, lol.

[@toddosborn11]

I’ve never watched one single shipwreck documentary. Now I’ve watched 4 today. It’s a great explanation to those of us that appreciate details. Thank you so much.

[@benjaminbrewer2569]

Saloon class furniture floating in an ice field. Imagine how strange that would be to see that.

[@marhawkman303]

@Talk Talk radio It's a hymn where you can FEEL the emotion. You don't sing it just because you like it, you sing it because you FEEL it inside you. Reminds me of a discussion I had as a young boy: what is the difference between praise and worship? well, one way to put it is simply: One is singing about God, the other is singing TO God. This is about one's personal relationship with your creator. not about anything you do in public.

[@georgefleming864]

Those who watch these excellent videos will appreciate this story about Captain Asa Eldridge who, as noted in the video, commanded the SS Pacific on her final voyage. This passage is about Eldridge's record-setting voyage two years earlier in the clipper ship Red Jacket, on her maiden run. It was published on January 11, 2008, I believe in the Cape Cod Times. The author is Jack Coleman. Towards the end is some of the most stirring prose I have ever read: "...On Jan. 23, 1854, the Yarmouth Register described the Red Jacket's historic crossing - 'This passage was of significant interest in that stirring contest between the fastest ships of sail and the early ships of steam. 'A Collins Line steamer, which left New York two days before the Red Jacket, arrived in Liverpool on Sunday afternoon and brought news that a Yankee clipper was just astern. 'Those were sporting days. There was intense interest in the performance of ships. When the news sped along the Liverpool waterfront people rushed in thousands to the docks, every point of vantage was black with spectators awaiting the arrival of this incredible racer. 'Outside the port tugs had offered to tow the clipper, but she was going so fast they never could have kept their hawsers taut. She shot ahead, leaving them wallowing in her wake. The Red Jacket swept into the Mersey with everything drawing, presenting a spectacle of surpassing grandeur. Cheers burst from the thousands on shore. 'Then Captain Asa Eldridge gave them a thrill they least expected - he took in his kites, his skysails, royals and topgallants, hung his course or lower sails, in their gear, ignored the tugs that caught up, and, throwing the Red Jacket into the wind, helm hard down, he backed her long side of the berth without aid, while the crew took in sail with a celerity that seemed like magic to the spectators - a superb piece of seamanship.'"

[@r2gelfand]

I have been captivated by ships and shipwrecks over my entire life. Super job in all you are doing!

[@jomama5186]

You do such a detailed, articulate, and beautiful job narrating these stories. Bravo!

[@kampfgruppepeiper501]

My wife and I just found your channel, the Arctic story was so well done and tragic

[@michaela4024]

Thanks for recounting the fate of these ships having just watched the horrific story of the SS Arctic as well. Traveling by ship in those days you really took your life into your own hands, much the same as people did when traveling by plane in the 1950s. The poem highlighting peoples grief and uncertainty about never finding out what happened to their loved ones is telling.

[@ronly_driver]

That's what happens when you take government subsidies to fund your whole business model and put pretty odds and ends ahead of actual function.

[@MegCazalet]

@@ronly_driver Corporations take the funds and then pass the costs onto the rest of us. Including lives.

[@MegCazalet]

Imagine those Life Insurance vending machines that were in airports in the 50s. Grim. Now we have luxury makeup and iPhone and iPad vending machines in airports.

[@Chord_]

Loving this mini-series you're doing on the Collins Line. Informative and well done. Can't wait to see what you have coming up next!

[@pfridell8424]

I would be hesitant to get on a paddle boat going across the ocean but of course they had sails. Going by your representations, they were very graceful-looking ships. It's a shame that the government ran them into the 'ground' so to speak. Some things never change.

[@amberlytheharpyqueen]

I don't know why I find ships and shipwrecks so fascinating but I do and I really love your channel.

[@TheDroppedAnchor]

Agreed. Some KZbinrs do the cheeseyist imitation of a documentary but this cat is good. Quantum leaps ahead of even polished professional documentarians considering this guy strikes me as landlubber from just this one vid.

[@LizRealGirlBeauty]

I'm liking your style for these videos, how you are respectful of the lives lost in these tragedies while not trying to gloss over or dumb down the details of them, even when other stories are so horrible. Thank you!

[@ChickVicious237]

Loved the poem with the ghostly images toward the end, it was very moving. I keep rewatching it. Another great tribute to these wonderful ships and people, Tom.

[@JohnDoe-bl7gj]

If you ever want to branch out and do a story with a happy ending, I work with a tourist railway in York County, PA. It was a PRR line in the Civil War, ruined and abandoned by a storm, run as a dinner train, abandoned again, and is currently operated as a Civil War themed railroad.

[@countdread6467]

I can't stop watching your videos. Addicting, informative and just plain good. Thanks for all the work you do.

[@valsbp6255]

Glad I come along your channel. Your content is well put together and enjoyable to watch. Thanks for your hard work.

[@The_Modeling_Underdog]

Excellent little video, Tom. Loved how much information you were able to gather, as meager as it may seem. Cheers.

[@oaklieoakleygrace]

Just Came across your channel and this is my second video . Love your story telling and the editing/information as you tell the story is hands down the best to keep me interested until the last second

[@Cereal_Killer007]

Just found this channel, its awesome. I love your honest retelling of these stories

[@lloydnorth5630]

Thank you, very interested in these less known shipwreck stories. I was at sea for 15 years, served on a ship that sank, crew accommodation was below the waterline, lucky that we managed to limp into harbour so rested on the harbour bottom, upright. No loss of life but scary non the less.

[@edwinsalisbury83]

What ship was it?

[@taylorviola5547]

Great channel! I used to love shipwreck history when I was young, but my interest fizzled out at some point. This channel has rekindled my fascination. Thank you for your great work!

[@sk8trnate24]

I seriously love your detailed and non speculative story telling! Keep it up man

[@pedenharley6266]

Thank you. It is hard to imagine what the families of those lost must have felt as they days went by with no word. Thank you for sharing this story.

[@notfreeman1776]

that one message and the fact that furniture was spotted in the site of the disaster is completly chilling

[@lorriedunker5678]

Totally love your videos. So informative and presented so well. Binging all of them.

[@The_HouStoner]

Thanks for uncovering an interest that I never knew I had. I can’t get enough of this channel!!

[@diggerfan9319]

I had never heard of these ships until these videos came out and now they are great videos to educate those interested in ships and shipwrecks. Definitely a shame that despite them being state of the art they were very flawed vessels and the company was (no pun intended) sunk less than a decade after been launched.

[@marhawkman303]

A lot of ships in the old days were unique vessels. AFAIK there were only 3 ships like the Titanic built... ever. It's not the same as being a one-of, but pretty darn close given that they were built at the same time. Then you have the infamous Great Eastern. Such a uniquely massive vessel the field of engineering was furthered by her design and building. Then you have stuff like the SS Eastland... One-of design.. and the problems with her were in part because of that. to start, a ship designer who normally made cargo ships designer her. competent designer, made a ship that held quite a lot and could MOVE. She just didn't sail quite the same as her contemporaries, and got modified in a way that made her dangerously top-heavy.. then she capsized and killed hundreds of people. Simply making the ballast tanks a different design would probably have helped greatly.... but part of the issue is she capsized because the ballast tanks were EMPTIED prior to loading. This made the top-heavyness so much worse.

[@kennywowie]

As usual, your production and story-telling are riveting and heart felt. If I was rich, you'd get a chunk. It seems so important to keep these histories alive and vivid. I suppose it honors those that have gone before and often paid the greatest price to advance civilization along its merry way. Thank you so much!

[@johnathanmyers7033]

Loving your videos and happy to see so many others feeling the same. Keep up the good work!

[@Kaidhicksii]

Only 45 passengers, damn. She was travelling light. Well, to answer Mr. Hedge's question, it's safe to say that she and those aboard her are down in Davy Jones' locker. Considering every other ship in that area at the general time all reported what must've apparently been a monstrous field of ice, plus the name of the captain being on the Pacific's passenger and crew list, I believe the note. It must greatly suck to go down with all hands with no chance of rescue or for what caused your demise to even be known. Screw the ice and screw the government too while we're at it. RIP those 186 lost souls.

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

It’s a shame he didn’t include something in the note damning the government for demanding the ships sail recklessly fast in bad conditions. I’m sure he was fully aware about that issue, given his position.

[@suomenpresidentti]

Maybe there was some knowledge or news about the ice situation available for General public to scare many passengers away.

[@noranlexer8108]

I love these animations and videos so much. Keep these coming!

[@heyheynowinga9972]

i have to say exactly the same as the next guy great research, Never really been interested in ships or shipwrecks until I saw your channel. You're definitely making a difference in terms of drawing interest into shipping history. Great work

[@wingmanjim6]

Another excellent video. Sir, your presentation skills are exceptional - thank you !

[@poketcg1592]

Thanks for making these videos!

[@oliversherman2414]

I'm fascinated by lost/missing ship mysteries like these. Keep up the amazing work

[@kelvincarter2349]

I've always wanted to learn more about water or rather ship disasters. I found ghis channel and I can't stop watching. Kudos to you 😊

[@stessagreen9764]

Thank you for these videos, really enjoyed them.

[@basilbrush9075]

Only got into your channel yesterday and I'm treated with a new upload, brilliant!

[@brainwashingdetergent4128]

He always uploads a weekend video.

[@user-wp4vi8sy5z]

Really enjoy your videos. Always well researched and informative.

[@edvinboskovic9963]

Personally, I wasn't interested in the topics of shipwrecks much. Until I saw this channel. The episodes are great, to me personally ,better than many on channels like History or NG. Some shipwrecks I heard of for the first time. Some I know from before. Since I am professionally attached to the sea and sailing as a ship's captain on ocean liner ships, I can only say that the episodes are great and I enjoy watching. Thank you

[@HurricaneJD]

these are great videos with great storytelling. this type of storytelling doesn't get any better than this

[@renesagahon4477]

Thank you for this. Excellent research and illustration

[@hannalindhout]

I've been binge watching all your video's. They are so educational and interesting! Love your work!

[@joshpullman1690]

Your content and presentation are both excellent, I watched the Arctic video first and this was a great accompaniment. Keep up the good work! It would be interesting to have a video on ship/passenger/crew losses over time in different eras in the North Atlantic.

[@timothybelgard-wiley4823]

..I've loved everything about the sea and the men that sailed in it, the world of sail, I joined the navy 50 years ago today, right on memorial day, its also my late father's birthday, its also my anniversary....it always slays me how many ships vanish into nothing, check out the original USS Enterprize vanished into a squall and was never seen again, also the original Wasp that vanished towards the end of the war of 1812, skipper was Johnston Blakely, forgotten because we had Decatur, Lawrence, Perry, McDonough, Bainbridge and Hull...Blakely and the Wasp are forgotten....let's try to remember that, especially today, have a great day today and remember our vets...

[@bsideberg6082]

Recent subscriber, fascinated by historical disasters. I was about 60 pages into The Sea Shall Embrace Them when I saw your video on SS Arctic. Great work

[@tylerwright1332]

Your videos are interesting and choked full of noteworthy information. Thanks for all your efforts.

[@Diaz-qv2xd]

You make these stories very interesting. Thank you!

[@karenhaley3444]

Excellent content, clearly and respectfully presented. Thank you!

[@ML-uu7wy]

Thank you for these videos. Very well done and informative. I applaud your efforts sir.

[@faye3851]

Such jarring stories! Thank you for sharing your hobby with us

[@slamitson]

Your an amazing story teller bud. Keep churning out this awesome work. ✅ subscribed.

[@ricktrue]

You do professional work. Thank you.

[@foxfern9036]

i only saw your channel because of your lego builds, but then i watched your videos about the old steamers, and now i have found a new love for them. i only loved tanks but now i love old tanks AND old steamers, and i have you to thank. so, thank you.

[@panman2568]

Just found this channel and it’s absolutely terrific

[@cncbuss1]

Great channel! Keep up the terrific work. Cheers from Montreal!

[@hainanegins9672]

Love watching your vids when I'm going to sleep. So soothing.

[@alfredomiranda3840]

Awesome docs. Really enjoy each one

[@patriciaclark9957]

I really enjoy your presentations. Keep up the great work - subscribed and liked!

[@jonfoulkes3160]

Watched this 3 times, so amazingly done, thanks alot brother you're a top man 🤌👍👍

[@peter7624]

A fantastic first rate video. I've always been fascinated by the sea, after listening to my fathers experiences in WW2 aboard destroyers and corvettes, and the atrocious conditions on the North Atlantic convoy routes.

[@josepablolunasanchez1283]

Your video of SS Arctic impressed me. Then I checked your channel and this video made me subscribe. Amazing work.

[@scurly0792]

A beautiful ship with such a sad mysterious fate.

[@maxfullerton5228]

I came over from aviation and aviation accidents. This is just pure awesome dude. I really appreciate your content

[@josepablolunasanchez1283]

Some ships in history are suspected to be sunk by giant waves that come out of nothing. Waves add up amplitude and when many waves converge from different directions you may have those giant rare waves out of nowhere. This is an interesting topic that is still being studied by science as far as I know.

[@juri_xiii9977]

This channel is a Gem..! Immediately Subscribed.

[@alexlogsdon9519]

the contents really interesting keep putting out stories like this

[@mnhoss2100]

Great video as always sir 👍

[@uddhav1080]

when i was 7, i loved learning about ships, slowly i forgot about them and my love faded away, now at 15 i come back and you have rekindeled my love for ships

[@ZenkaiAnkoku2]

The poem is an excellent addition to the end. Read very well. And I love the documentaries. No speculation or dramatics. Just what we know. And what we don't.

[@luckycharms_93]

Happy I found your page, so interesting 🧐 keep it up!!

[@susandimeo4619]

Been in love with your podcast since the Eastland documentary loyal subscriber love your depth

[@agairinc]

Wonderful work . Where you find this historical information is amazing

[@haraldhantke8409]

Really thrilling and full of interesting details . Perfect blend of apt historical research and entertaining storytelling!

[@Soundbrigade]

“Accidentally” came across your channel and really like the way you present the stories.

[@SuperPinklady08]

You’re doing a really great job!!!!

[@thesilversurfer7136]

I watch a couple channels. Regarding shipping disasters. This one is the best !

[@johnengland8619]

Thanks again for the content

[@jsa-z1722]

Thanks for another truly interesting video.

[@jeffsmeltzer8776]

thank you. You are an excellent story teller.

[@Phil-ey6yh]

I've always had a touch and go interest in shipwrecks. That said, these vids are always well produced and quite interesting. Keep em coming!

[@asmith1561]

It is crazy how much time and effort you put into this

[@Peter-lt3bs]

Terrific channel, can't imagine being on a sinking ship

[@blyth1969]

thank you these stories are great

[@tadfitch3294]

Another good video. Mysteries like these get under my skin, it makes you want to solve them.

[@deadlion9197]

I really enjoy the ship history on this channel, this one's a similar story to the lost SS Naronic, it would be cool seeing a video on that one as well.

[@scofab]

Well done, and thanks again.

[@wilmahernan]

For once, the algorithm does something right! Your videos are flawless. Subscribed right after watching the first one👍🏻