The Wreck of the SS ATLANTIC - Halifax, NS 1873

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Watch the full sinking animation here: • SS Atlantic Sinks in R...
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If you enjoyed this documentary, be sure to check out my other videos on the topic of the SS Atlantic, including touring the wrecksite, what it was like to sail aboard her, and cataloging artifacts from it for a museum!
• The Wreck of the SS AT...
The SS Atlantic wrecked on the rocks of Lower Prospect in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1873. The story is nearly forgotten. We do our best to tell the story of the sinking, the worst disaster on the North Atlantic in the 1800's, and the first disaster for the White Star Line.
ssatlantic.com/ssatlantic/dona...
This was made in cooperation with the SS Atlantic Heritage Park Society and the Titanic Society of Atlantic Canada.
www.ssatlantic.com
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
2:49 - The Oceanic Class
9:26 - The SS Atlantic
11:31 - Preparing for the Final Voyage
16:30 - The Leaving of Liverpool
17:25 - Stopping in Queenstown, Ireland
18:33 - The Weather Turns
24:25 - Approaching Halifax, NS
29:25 - Striking Golden Rule Rock
32:35 - Evacuation
36:49 - The Ship Settles
42:32 - Running a Line to Gold Rule Rock
43:45 - Help Is On the Way
47:09 - Reverend Ancient and those Trapped in the Mizzen Mast
51:47 - The Aftermath
58:09 - The Inquiries and Those Responsible
1:00:10 - Visiting the Wrecksite Today
1:03:24 - Conclusion
Written and Directed by
Thomas Lynskey
Narrated by
Thomas Lynskey
Camera
Thomas Lynskey
Emma van Zeumeren
CGI Animator
Kyle Hudak
CGI Modeler
Lucas Gustaffson
Kyle Hudak
Thomas Lynskey
Animated on Unreal Engine 4
Historical Consultation
Bob Chaulk
Greg Cochkanoff
Deanna Ryan-Meister
Cast of Characters (in order of appearance)
John Hindlay
Gavin McNair
Captain James Williams
Mark van Zeumeren
Quartermaster Robert Speakman
Logan Maguire
Sarah Jane O’Reilly
Anastasia Wiebe
Additional Voice Acting
James Penca
Musical Selection
“Lowly Tavern Bard”
“Lowly Tavern Bard II”
“Sea of Tranquility”
“Dreaded Things Approach”
“Saying Farewell to the Year”
by TeknoAXE
“Celtic Impulse”
by Kevin MacLeod
www.incompetech.com
“Leaving of Liverpool”
arranged by Jonathan Slatter
provided by Pond5
“Dark Background Music”
“Emotional Sad Piano”
by Mattia Cupelli
“Dark Tension Rising”
by Gezgin Zuzu“
Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis”
by Ralph Vaughan Williams
performed by the US Army Band
Made in Association with
SS Atlantic Heritage Park Society
Titanic Society of Atlantic Canada
Special Thanks
Matthew Leonetti
David Pate
Mike Poirier
Zeno Silva
Tino Thoss
Ben van Zeumeren
Cathy van Zeumeren
Heughan van Zeumeren
Mark van Zeumeren
And Special Thanks to the following Organizations
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Nova Scotia Archives
Library of Congress
Copyright 2018

[@jalapenochomper]

In the past 20 years the History Channel has chewed through $millions, perhaps $billions. And have not produced 10 minutes of content as good as this documentary. Bravo! Someone tell Ken Burns he can retire if he wants.

[@galaxieman1964]

The History Channel used to give great documentaries. What a JOKE that station is now. This account of the SS Atlantic was very well done by an intelligent young man.

[@joedirt9600]

History Channel has Pawn Stars, and Forged in Fire what a joke for a channel.

[@kennywowie]

@@joedirt9600 I'll trade you ten Pawn Stars for ONE P-TE.

[@ischavandevoort9875]

Ik heb echt

[@ischavandevoort9875]

The Maar is a g of

[@sylverfox2144]

"The safety of those on board is more important than his reputation." You're damn right it is.

[@JohnSmith-zk8xp]

same thing was said went some of the crew took over the lifeboats before anyone else

[@rabidbeaver167]

its more imporyant than his career or even his one life. shit like this should never happen.. the crew shoulve taken over from that jackass

[@Firebat45]

Ironically, if he had placed his reputation first at that point, they would have likely all survived.

[@incontruth4116]

@@Firebat45 Amen. God Bless.

[@birbeyboop]

@@incontruth4116 go elsewhere with your rude passive aggressive bullshit buddy

[@scott_hunts]

The couple who were swept away in a final embrace after handing off their child only for her to die as well is one of the most tragic tales I have heard regarding shipwrecks.

[@vincentrosario5358]

but it does offer at least some closure for them that they all where reunited not long after. i just recently lost my grandmother this feb 13th just prior to valentines day and her husband back in jan of 09' and we got a good amount of closure knowing that they would be reunited for valentines day so i can say this with certainty that i can only just imagine what that reunion must have been like for that family on that terrible night..

[@Gecko....]

​​@@vincentrosario5358 Sorry for your loss. I wish I could believe in heaven, it must provide great comfort. Though I do wonder why religious people are always fearful of death and why they cry at death if they know they are going to paradise after fulfilling gods purpose for them on earth. It should be cause for joy and celebration.

[@theflowerwhosavedtheuniver5658]

I wish my father was still here as he would have thoroughly enjoyed the content of your videos. As a native of Belfast, Northern Ireland, he worked in Harland & Wolff for the good part of 40+ years and loved reading up on the history of the ships that were built there, especially those commissioned by The White Star Line. As the biggest employer in Belfast for a number of decades my father was the last to work there from our family, with the first one going back to my Great-Great Grandfather John who worked on all four of these ships, the Atlantic, the Baltic, the Republic and the Oceanic. After him came my Great-Grandfather who worked on the Titanic and her sister ships. I still love seeing the yellow cranes of Samson and Goliath when I'm driving home. Thank you so much for sharing these videos, I like to think that my dad is somewhere nearby watching them with me x.

[@lilmuddr]

What is Samson and Goliath?

[@denisecross6912]

@@lilmuddr they are twin ship building cranes in Northern Ireland

[@rox03y]

I’m told my grandfather as a child watched the Titanic being built. Unfortunately he died tragically when my mother was only a few weeks old. I so would have loved to known him.

[@jessamyers8761]

The girl tied to the ship is so heartbreaking. The distribution of her death is so darkly poetic.

[@anathanielannandannand1648]

Resting

[@duncanidaho2097]

-Was Rosa, the woman lashed to the mast, ever recovered?

[@DonnaBrooks]

What I find so tragic about her death is that she fought so hard to stay alive & was one of only 3 people who had managed to get all the way up to the top of the mast. Everyone else had been washed off by waves as they climbed, or had the ship sink right out from under them. So you go through all that & fight your hardest to not drown, but still die from exposure.

[@VirgoShelter]

Was was she tied to the the mast again?

[@fahmiramadani8406]

Yes sir

[@johnkesler5092]

Beats any hyped up, overly dramatized and sensationalized "documentary" on the History Channel and others. An honest story telling with a coherent chronology of the facts and personal accounts of the tragedy. Thank you!

[@mikehunt8375]

Sad thing is people who comment, "oh you need your own show on cable TV." UMM no idiot then it would turn into garbage like everything else on TV! Turn yours off because clearly its rotted your brain right out. Lol

[@johnkesler5092]

@@mikehunt8375 agreed

[@TwoFingeredMamma]

Havn't you figured out who controls the mainstream media yet?

[@ThisTrainIsLost]

@@TwoFingeredMamma And who controls a TV's on/off switch? No one is stuck watching what they think is inferior content (with the possible exception of patients in the common area of a psychiatric hospital).

[@MrChickennugget360]

its sad that TV "documentaries" have fallen so far down. I remember when History and Discovery channel had great documentaries. They went downhill after the mid 2000's and particularly after 2010.

[@RobertJones-ty5mg]

This is the second documentary I've watched of yours so far; the other being the loss of the Artic. Both were incredibly well done. Thank you for producing these digital monuments and educating those still curious about the world and its history. As others have implied, I found this much more interesting than anything on television today.

[@robertallan742]

great stuff here just found this channel yesterday

[@garymartin1040]

Young Man you have talent great story teller. Will watch all your videos.

[@smokeonthewater5287]

Only thing annoying was the repeating piano background

[@TheEncoreCast]

The first of his I watched was the arctic this is the second- wth

[@leftyshredder9289]

Same here!

[@vincentcampbell3138]

The story is tragic, but the compassion of those helping shows the good in humanity.

[@SCharlesDennicon]

It's almost the opposite of the SS Arctic.

[@BeanSidhe1985]

Yes, honestly, after just watching the documentary on the SS Arctic, this story was kinda uplifting in a way. Although incredibly tragic, nonetheless.

[@Robert-ug5fp]

This is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen on shipwrecks. Amazing work, Tom.

[@jeffreyhinton257]

The Olympicd bell has a home at the Titanic Historical society in Indian Orchard mass. Whis the Atlantics bell was there as well.

[@AustinsMain]

@Richard Schmidt flex

[@oat138]

@@jeffreyhinton257 What????

[@williamflynn8036]

Big flex Ricc

[@Ian-iu2tl]

Yes! I agree. The facts are all there with plenty of visuals and as I said in my post, the narrator gives little intonation as the facts are very grave on their own.

[@lucah1824]

Halifax has seen so much, the effects of Titanic, The Atlantic, the Halifax explosion, Swiss Air 111 (when a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 caught fire mid flight and crashed in the ocean near Halifax).

[@kritikal1993]

Are they cursed?

[@brotherjim3051]

@@kritikal1993 definitely cursed

[@zachbraxton1997]

And the SS Arctic

[@lucah1824]

@@zachbraxton1997 I think that was St. John's, wasn't it?

[@marahjames9956]

Nova Scotia has some of the strongest tides in the world (as it is home to the Bay of Fundy). It is no surprise that the ship was pushed so far without realizing it! Also, the Halifax Harbour is so dangerously hard to navigate (what with so many shallow spots) that to this day it still has a Harbour Master who takes control of all ships entering the harbour, to sail them into port.

[@DeborahRosen99]

That's become a standard practice in many harbors these days, even ones that are relatively safe and easy to enter. Nova Scotia seems to be a graveyard for ships, though.

[@danielsheehan3783]

I’m just a regular dude that works remotely for a bank. I’ve been watching your videos and they’ve been keeping me entertained though the monotony of my daily tasks. I’m very thankful for the effort and care that you put into these informative video series.

[@holthrain3985]

Using evocative testimonies , 3d modelling, interviews and going on site by yourself, everything is tightly tied for an informative and captivating documentary. I salute everyone involved in this video.

[@skuula]

I think the Captain was perfectly excused for having to dock and resupply, if he got into a gale force headwind for a week or so - and that without the possibility to receive weather reports.

[@bethanydavis9023]

Yup. He put the lives of passengers above his reputation and went to resupply based on the information he was given.

[@Arterexius]

I blame second officer Metcalf, as a disregard of direct orders from the captain, is close to mutiny and that is always worse than what the captain and quartermaster did. I perfectly understand the under estimation of the available coal, as that allows for extra coal, in case of an emergency where that extra coal is needed. Only mistake the quartermaster made, was not to tell the captain that he had been under estimating the coal all along, to make sure there were enough in case of emergencies. Would the captain have been mad? Yep, but he would also understand and respect the quartermasters decision to do so. But Metcalf is the guy who caused this disaster to happen. He deliberately disregarded information from a crewmember who had been to this part of Canada before and simultaneously disregarded a direct order from the captain. I'm sure the Captain would have taken notice of the information presented by the crewman who had been there before, rather than disregard it. That's what captains did back then. Furthermore, Metcalf's actions during the evacuation makes me think of the SS Arctic's sinking, with yet another close to mutiny action by Metcalf in the lifeboats. Lucky fella to die in that same lifeboat

[@scottishgentlemen6038]

Agreed. I think Metcalf does deserve most of the blame here. It is frustrating, however, that the quartermaster didn't come clean on his underestimating of the coal reserves when the captain decided to change course, knowing they had enough coal to continue. I think the captain did the best he could have done in the circumstances, and had his order been followed, would not have been asleep when the disaster struck.

[@Jaasau]

Totally agree.

[@Arterexius]

@@scottishgentlemen6038 I agree, although I also understand the fear that the quartermaster must have felt in regards of coming clean to the captain. It would have been best to come clean at the start of the voyage, but do so in a way that only the quartermaster and the captain knew the amount of coal, so as not to make the other sailors on the bridge, mettle in the decisions by the quartermaster, as someone like Metcalf would most likely have done

[@tomm1109]

No, i blame the quartermaster. They said the captain had a meeting about what to do before diverting to Halifax. If the quartermaster was in that meeting he should have spoken up at that time. Metcalf's mistake was more momentary in believing what another officer said, to "let him sleep". The quartermasters withholding of information was over a much longer period of time.

[@scottishjedi1522]

I think Foxley has to take some of the blame for refusing to come clean about his underestimations- which led the Captain to change course- but Metcalf’s arrogance in refusing to both wake the captain and heed the advice of the Quartermaster on duty doomed the ship. It’s likely the Captain would’ve listened to his quartermaster and tried to recalculate their position.

[@Harpeia]

So, I have a proper phobia of shipwrecks. A very real thing that incapacitates me physically at the sole sight of them. And, during the desperate pursuit to get rid of this shamefully pointless debilitation, I've found this channel. While the issue is not resolved by any means, just hearing the story of the actual events which lead to a wreck coming to be, helps immensely. Thank you, Part-Time Explorer, for assisting with... mental health recovery, I guess.

[@salm3065]

Me too!! I literally can’t look at a photo of a shipwreck without instantly jumping and turning away. Even though i love learning about ships, shipwrecks just knock me out. So nice to know i’m not the only one lmao

[@Joeydeez07]

Cap

[@dankus.memeokus4192]

​@@Joeydeez07 Submechanophobia I have it as well it's a rather funny one to have I discovered I have it as a kid when I saw a sunken ship off the coast of Florida damn near died freaking out after I saw it I felt very unsafe as soon as I saw it😂. Just very creepy seeing man made things deep underwater

[@Dan_Ben_Michael]

I have an irrational phobia of large ocean going vessels, deep water, and ship wrecks. I could never do an Atlantic or Pacific crossing. The idea of a huge ship like the Titanic breaking in half, with metal groaning like some primordial giant beast fills me with a sense of dread. Even before I started watching ship disaster documentaries I always would get an uneasy feeling when I would see large vessels on the ocean. My grandparents lived near Port Botany in Sydney Australia and I used to sit on the beach and watch the massive container ships pass by on the horizon and they looked so tiny compared to the Tasman Sea. I also remember being on a ferry in Sydney harbour and seeing an ocean liner which dwarfed our little ferry. It seemed to me like a skyscraper. Imagining something so large being swallowed by the ocean, sinking miles under the surface, is to me the stuff of nightmares. I always have felt this way and when I was a teenager I was told the story of my great uncle. He was a veteran of Gallipoli and the Palestine campaign, riding into Beersheba and Damascus with the 3rd Lighthorse Brigade. In the interwar period he left Australia and turned up in America, changing his name and joining the Merchant Marine. By WW2 he was a captain and in February 1944 he was in an Arctic Convoy heading to New York with water ballast and empty cargo holds. In heavy seas and a storm while approaching Loch Ewe in Scotland his ship struck a reef off Fura Island. After he and his crew assembled on the bridge heavy seas buffeted them making rescue nigh impossible. He was last seen firing flares and was swept out to sea. Out of 74 souls aboard, only 12 survived due to the bravery of local crofters who braved the elements to attach a line and pluck those that they could out of the water. I find it interesting I have always had this phobia and then finding out my familial connection to a devastating shipwreck. I must say that every time I see footage of the bow of the wreck of Titanic emerge out of the darkness I get chills come over me. Ironically I really enjoy shipwreck videos and I like going fishing in boats but I would never travel so far that I can’t see dry land.

[@alexlarsen2464]

First world problems. Imagine having such a nice life that the worst part of it is a made up phobia of shipwrecks lmao. People with real problems don’t have the privilege and luxury to sit around fabricating problems in some narcissistic attempt to gain sympathy on KZbin.

[@kenbellchambers4577]

As a Canadian, I thank you for producing this presentation of an important historical event. I always think of the thousands of ships sunk in the Atlantic sea lanes during the two great wars. There are thousands of wrecks containing explosives, fuel oil, dead men, and chemicals of every description. It would be amazing to see an overall map and some actual photos of these sunken ships and submarines as well as aircraft. I am going directly from this site to the sinking of the La Bourgogne. Thanks for the lead, and thanks for an excellent doco. I subscribe, and give a thumbs up.

[@RichadTheLionHeat]

We truly appreciate yours and your fiancé’s time, effort, research, dedication and passion. Great detail, information, selection of the photographs and videos. Absolutely Top Notch production. I have shared your video to many across the states and overseas. Excellent! Thank you. 😉👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@tylermckillop408]

Ya i agree I really enjoyed it as an east coaster myself

[@Teverell]

As a Brit, I heartily agree. There are so many ships that went down, those whose positions we know with certainty (SS Atlantic, the Edmund Fitzgerald, the SS Richard Montgomery) and surely hundreds somewhere whose final resting places is known only unto God.

[@RockinRobbins13]

You know, I've been plagued with clickbait fake documentaries like "Ghost ship reappears 95 years later astounding researchers" that turn out to be garden variety shipwrecks that radioed their exact position in a storm and were discovered 30 years ago at that position to the surprise of nobody. I almost didn't click on this video at all. Thank you for partially restoring my will to live and my faith in humanity. This is the poster child for meaningful, engaging and well-produced documentaries. Now I'm subscribed.

[@aircastles1013]

Well said, RockinRobbins.

[@umi_tao33]

I can't stop thinking of that poor woman who was tied to the mast. They tried everything to keep her alive just for her to die in almost a worse way than drowning. Hearing the water was so much pressure on her her face was crushed in and her eyes were popping out 😥 the poor girl

[@toranziancentralnetwork]

Atleast if you were on Titanic you would have died of hypothermia or drowning, not having your bones be broken against the hull and deck of the ship by pounding waves.

[@sydnerxx]

This brings me to tears, I couldn't begin to imagine how horrifying being in a wreck would be. And all the people who helped to save them.

[@NGRevenant]

I find this a worse sinking than the Titanic tbh, yes the death toll was a lot less but those deaths were far more horrifying.

[@JennaOfficiaal]

What breaks my heart the most (as a mother) is all the children lost, and two were born during the voyage.. Only one child survived, John Hindley, breaks my heart..

[@mexicanofr7762]

@RMS Empress Seahawkic Empress Of Minnesota your doing nothing

[@Aerofiles123]

@RMS Empress Seahawkic Empress Of Minnesota Uhm what? How is being born, and then drowning a couple days or even a couple hours later being blessed? Not sure I understand here...

[@Coleanhydros]

@@Aerofiles123 if one of those children lived, his origin story outclasses your entire lived experience bro, sorry

[@evil1by1]

@@fudgecakes1313 your not wrong, there were other wrecks as well in the lead up to Titanic where all the women and children died while the men saved themselves. Hence leading to social outrage that the very people tasked both by job and social position as men abandoned the most vulnerable to die. MRAs like to twist it as men being disposable but it was more about duty than devaluing men *cough* Costa Concordia

[@pickles3128]

@@evil1by1 I agree, it's just common evolutionary sense in a social "pack" species like us. Historically, societies send its men out to the battlefield not because they're "disposable" and not only because they are the strongest. You can repopulate a town with a small group of male survivors and all the women they left behind to go to war easily. But no matter how many men you have, if you only have a couple women you can only have a couple babies, at most one a year if they don't die or get too old. You know what I mean?

[@jimrichardson1220]

Thank you and a 'well done'. As a Chief engineer for many years I can say that there is always a 'sleeve factor' (as in " We always keep a certain amount of fuel up our sleeve') in our daily fuel reports to the bridge. YT only lets me give a single thumbs up.

[@medwaystudios]

Didn't the engineer realize that his margin would put the reported supply below the amount needed to get to their original destination thus causing the need to divert? Or was he unable to calculate that like the captain did?

[@emo7636]

The thought of those two newborn babies really got to me. And the music used in this video, I just cried in the middle of the afternoon.

[@darrinheaton4016]

The music is "Fantasy on a Theme of Sir Thomas Tallis" - a great orchestral work by the British composer Ralph Von Williams.

[@stuglife5514]

Holy shit that child actor did a fantastic job. Kid brings great pride to the practice of living history

[@anonmouse1481]

I hope he gets a career doing that. He has a knack for it. Well done, kid!

[@smartysmarty1714]

He was an actor? Wow...I just thought he looked good for being about 160 years old...

[@Bombalurina00]

Tom, really nice portrayal of an event without photographs some 180 years ago! No easy task, yet you did it through creative graphics, maps, and animation (?). I'd love to see you attempt the sinking of the Seawahnaka in Jul 1880, on the East River. There are lots of articles about it. My great grandfather was the captain (Captain Smith) and later succumbed from the burns he sustained in the fire.

[@Bombalurina00]

My first sentence referred to the SS Swallow vdo. And I left off a second "great" for my grandfather!

[@travellingshoes5241]

1873 was 149 years ago.

[@somethingelse4424]

​@@travellingshoes5241 I was going to say, this couldn't have been 1840s.

[@Ian-iu2tl]

What a truly imploring and chilling depiction of a bitter disaster not well known. The narrator delivered this cruel history without emotion in its severity. The horrifying facts remain grave enough on their own. His acknowledgment in presenting the bitter fate of victims so helpless should humble any mortal soul. No one is to blame. The technology of the day saw many a similar disaster. It is just that simple...and sad. Cold, cruel and severe. God bless then all.

[@Ian-iu2tl]

@Rob Roy Thanks. I grew up in Halifax and saw many a relic from the past in that harbour. Half sunken ghosts from the Halifax Explosion looming ominous in their shallow, cold tombs seemed to eerily whisper of their demise. I also visited with my grandparents in their stone cottage by the sea in Cape Breton and there too I heard the sobering stories from my grandfather's experiences as a merchant marine during WW2. It was all very horrible and yes...grave.

[@Ian-iu2tl]

@Giuliano BassWarrior Like many of the day; all drunk and mindless.

[@blu_e1910]

Another disaster that is unknown is the s.s. Ceramic that killed over 600

[@Ian-iu2tl]

@@blu_e1910 Undoubtedly a major disaster with much life lost including 12 children. The worst of this event is that Ceramic was a merchant marine vessel with a majority of people on board being military personnel and should not have been carrying civilians, especially as an unescorted vessel. I also believe that the U-Boat commander could have exercised better discretion given the rough seas and looming gale so that many, if not all, could have been rescued. War is a disgusting mess. Nobody wins.

[@blu_e1910]

@@Ian-iu2tl too bad their lives aren't spoken about that often.

[@chandler224]

One of the best shipwreck documentaries I've seen! On a side note: the engineer couldn't just admit he lied about the coal levels. That would be akin to mutiny and disobedience during this era, especially as an officer. His whole career could quite possibly have been tarnished. Easy for us in the modern era to just admit we lied, but not back then.

[@blahblahblad]

I watch disaster documentaries every day, I and have to say this is one of the most impressive. Love the real life modern day footage interspersed with the historical storytelling.

[@JaySantana-so9zw]

That girl who’s acting as the girl that lived near the wreck site that was feeding and giving medical attention is a great actress, she really portrayed that girl spot on by her looks and how her mannerisms are she is definitely an amazing actress that makes it very believable

[@Jenalgo]

How the fuck do you know? You weren't there.

[@crungefactory]

@@Jenalgo he's her agent

[@Pauly421]

@Chris Wooton Yeah man they were all the rage back then! Women had all the rights back then bruh. Acting is hard

[@StewBedazzle]

What a simp 🤣

[@greghartshorne6621]

@@Jenalgo damn, you sound mad as hell for no reason. I agree, she seems like a good actress

[@Kanefan701]

I won't lie but near the ending as the music plays I couldn't help but tear up heavily, knowing just how tragic this disaster was with the loss of life that perished with SS Atlantic. As tragic and sad as Titanic's was, Atlantic's seems like that of a near pre-telling of what would unfold 39 years later when Titanic's own sinking would come and the loss of life that went with her. I can't help but think that both Atlantic and Titanic are White Star Line's most deadliest peace time disasters in history. You told the story of the sinking as best as ever even more than hollywood could ever do for a movie. Though I'd think this is the best you've ever done to tell one of the forgotten events that had happen and it deserves to be remembered even more.

[@mike-cherylsmithson9539]

I stumbled on to this documentary and was overly impressed with the production. I didn’t know anything about this loss. All the work you guys did, even to go so far as to spend a night on the island?? So many facets, So many perspectives. Excellent!

[@sarahvs4509]

This documentary moved me to tears! You have all done a wonderful job bringing this sad story back to the public eye

[@TheArgonaut540]

This is somehow more depressing than Titanic’s sinking.

[@jos3ph.d]

Indeed.

[@Kanefan701]

@Giuliano BassWarrior and their choice proved to be fatal...

[@Kanefan701]

Both Atlantic and Titanic's sinking were depressing but with comparing the two Atlantic's sinking was like that out of a nightmare.

[@jos3ph.d]

@@Kanefan701 Indeed, it’s horrific.

[@Kanefan701]

@@jos3ph.d I'm not gonna lie but I think this would also make a good movie too. But what to call it... hmmmmm

[@crearnie7491]

damn this is worse than a horror movie, I LOVE the way how detailed you tell every single moment of her sinking, rest in piece to those who died aboard this engeneering marvel.

[@altaregodesign]

It truly has everything- every kind of BAD death you could imagine has happened in this wreck! God, it's unimaginable.

[@Simp_Zone]

@@altaregodesign That woman being torn apart by waves though... Jesus.

[@Liv-sz8rv]

Fantasia on a Theme (the piece playing from around 35 mins in) is so haunting; I remember it being used in Master and Commander and it gives me chills every time I hear it.

[@JR-ut2ne]

I‘ve seen documentaries that had budgets of millions of euros and they weren’t even half as good as this absolutely brilliant shipwreck documentary. Really fantastic job.

[@jamesd1944]

Well done. I came here after viewing the sinking animation by itself and it was one of the most frightening. To think of all those people dying literally a stone's throw away from land is especially heartbreaking. As for the crew, I can't imagine experienced seamen, even though most were unfamiliar with Halifax specifically, wouldn't have thought that such rough sea conditions could have put them off course and proceeded with more caution. But it's always a bit unfair to criticize when we have the luxury of time on our side.

[@gabeitch920]

This is an extremely underrated video/documentary. I love this.

[@RichadTheLionHeat]

We truly appreciate yours and your fiancé’s time, effort, research, dedication and passion. Great detail, information, selection of the photographs and videos. Absolutely Top Notch production. I have shared your video to many across the states and overseas. Excellent! Thank you. 😉👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@willfisk0]

I would legit not be surprised if I saw this on a regular TV channel such is the great production quality and depth. This was really great, thanks!

[@TPD]

i didnt realise i was interested in this stuff. but your enormous effort and fantastic storytelling has me compelled to keep watching more and more. thanks for unlocking this for me. fantastic work.

[@VinnyS9143101982]

The crew of the Atlantic knew EXACTLY what they were doing. Well except one guy

[@ajgamers9283]

Who one guy

[@VinnyS9143101982]

@@ajgamers9283 the guy that made all the mistakes

[@3300073]

@@ajgamers9283 t

[@Aerofiles123]

@@ajgamers9283 Probably Medcalfe.

[@joannalumsden9608]

Yea the crew who misfired the distress rockets

[@ChickVicious237]

This is my fourth time watching this, it couldn't have been more well presented. I was obsessed with Titanic for years when I was a teenager, and I now feel similarly drawn to the story of SS Atlantic. Planning to take a trip to the museum in the Summer, if travel is permitted. I hope I can help with donations, or even become a member someday. Thanks for this video, it leaves one with a rare sense of awe. The phrase "what God hath wrought" comes to mind.

[@sazfretz1945]

This was exceptionally well done. I'm a huge historical documentary buff, and your videos are some of the best I've seen.

[@octopuliander6291]

People like you are the reason why the You Tube is one of the greatest inventions in the dawn of internet and computers. Great content Sir.

[@uralbob1]

Very tragic, but also a very respectful and sensitive account of the disaster. Thank you sincerely!

[@SuperTrainStationH]

The microphone quality sucks, and I love it. I like some content that's produced out of genuine interest by ordinary people stretching to the edge of their capability. By people actually putting their own resources and comfort on the line instead of being managed from the comfort of a high rise office building with the limitless means of a national media conglomerate. Thank god there are people out there willing to produce content to keep history alive, even as it becomes harder and harder to squeeze any monetary reward out of this desolate corporate rock that is KZbin in 2020 and beyond.

[@medea27]

Couldn't have said it better myself! I have immense respect for _anyone_ willing to invest their passion into producing accurate & engaging content, not just trying to tap into the KZbin cash machine by chasing the whims of the algorithm. Especially when loading _anything_ on this platform puts you at the whims of trolls, entitled, judgmental keyboard warriors & even YT itself, with it's increasingly misused copyright & strike system. The best content is to be found where people are sharing their passion for the topic.... and Part-Time Explorer definitely does that! Bravo 👏

[@SuperTrainStationH]

@@wiplatvia6818 The creator hearted the comment, I think that says enough.

[@glowingunknown5625]

The mic isn't bad, but I was surprised he did so many cuts to live mic rather than voice over.

[@MsLucasrr]

sounds fine to me

[@sivanirmal]

Bro, this documentary touched my heart. Please do not work for mainstream media houses please as your work speaks for itself. Thank you brother!

[@MrGrizzly1954]

Great documentary, raising emotions and yet not over-dramatizing in an articificial way, with many facts - and many question which cannot be answered. as many said, MUCH BETTER than other documentaries, and it's also nice to you as creator of this film once in a while -NOT showong off yourself, but telling the story AND orienting people to go and visit, even donate, to the memorial house there. Compliments!

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

The CGI work was so amazing. It really brought the wreck to life (and death). Very moving. That must have taken forever to produce.

[@hideousruin]

This is one of the most moving documentaries I have ever seen. The horror is chillingly expressed while maintaining good taste. The utter hopelessness of the position so many were in with salvation merely yards away just shattered me. And the sadness of the loss and it being so little known is fully expressed without being maudlin. This easily ranks in the top 5 of all docs I have ever seen. That includes those of ANY budget or available resources.

[@Truth1561]

Such a tragedy . I have to say this is the most incredible thing I’ve seen on KZbin . I was literally on the edge of my seat, palms gripped watching this. How you produced something of such high quality with what I presume was little budget astounds me. Thank you for telling the story of the lost so movingly, I had no prior knowledge of this tragedy.

[@Ol_Durty_Badger]

outstandingly done, beautifully shot and one of the best "small" channel documentaries ive ever seen!

[@LoneWolf051]

I randomly went to the Atlantic museums website and donated 10 bucks, then went back to watching the video......very well written and narrated, Tom, keep up the great work!

[@NotCandyMan]

This is genuinely one of the best documentaries I've ever seen.

[@ghostintheshelll]

It surely requires a Full Time Squared Explorer to produce such a comprehensive documentary.

[@waltersnowdon1243]

I am 83, from a seafaring family and have studied and respected the sea and mariners all my life. I have nothing but praise for the people who made this documentary- one of the most moving and authoritative documentaries I have seen for many years. you deserve all the praise for making it. Walter S

[@edp2260]

My great grandmother came to America, alone, as a steerage passenger during the last part of the 19th century. She may have been aware of this disaster. It is remarkable to me that my great grandmother was tough enough to leave everything she knew, leaver her home in Sweden, alone, to come to America. This video gives me a better idea what she faced in the first part of the journey.

[@andrewjennings7306]

Why did she leave sweden? Which would have been sweden-norway at the time i think.

[@edp2260]

@@andrewjennings7306 They were poor, but I don't know all the reasons. I think that is was an opportunity, and a sense of adventure. The story is that she took the place of another relative that got cold feet and backed out. So, on short notice, my great grandmother left everything she new, and left for a new life, by herself. ALONE. Thats guts. Also, where she was going was NORTH DAKOTA, which is colder than Sweden!

[@andrewjennings7306]

@@edp2260 really brave for a woman at that time to go alone. No man or anything to help with income.

[@billybaba3778]

I was clicking around on KZbin late one night, and happened to just stumble onto this extremely well done video. I was so enthralled that I couldn't turn into bed until I watched the whole thing through. what a gem this is! A fascinating story about a ship I knew nothing about, and again, so well done!

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

I just love what you are doing in retelling these important stories to us. So far, this is my third or fourth documentary of yours I have watched and most certainly will rewatch those and continue to watch every one I can find. My heart goes out to those who came before us to the continent of North America from England, Ireland, etc. My background is English, Irish and Scottish. As far as any blame is concerned, I would say that not waking the captain of the ship was the worst decision made. Thank you so much!

[@emmalfal]

Talk about the perfect use of "Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis." It's almost like the scene of the Atlantic crashing on the rocks is what the song was created for.

[@elainemoreland3908]

From childhood I always had a soft spot for seamen. Hard life many short life. God bless them all.

[@zachjollimore4339]

I grew up near that wreck. I've spent many a day there and by the monument. Really nice seeing my home area on youtube

[@Hellzangel115]

I think the use of the interpreters is wondeful! They really bring more depth to the people who lived this tradegy.

[@Captaintomacus]

Damn, this might be one of the best single event documentaries on youtube. Fantastic work

[@cliffl7]

I live in the area, and even went to the elementary school that memorializes the name (Atlantic Memorial Elementary). I never knew the details of this disaster until now. Thank you for your good work here

[@kolloduke3341]

Save the fishermans house or at least ask them to save it in memory of those poor people and in the name of what HE did , so tragic that for some reason it hasnt been done .lol

[@markbowles2382]

mr. Lynskey your documentary is a tribute, a memoriam, a masterpiece. I also think it quite befitting your use of proper attire during your cinematography, well done sir, well done indeed.

[@dvfreelancer]

Better than the programming History Channel puts out these days. Really makes that story come alive.

[@4exgold]

as someone who loves history but was unaware of the story of the SS Atlantic, these images of the dying ship and its terrified passengers below will live long in the memory. Even now 150 years later I cry for these people. Brilliant documentary.

[@inuyashaxx]

This is better than most televised documentaries I’ve ever watched.

[@tinton08568]

this is a fantastic documentary and it should get more views!!

[@PartTimeExplorer]

It had half a million before I had to re-upload it... please help me out by sharing it!

[@Hop_Owl]

Hey Tom, I just have to say that your passion for retelling these stories really comes across in your narration and makes your videos feel especially wholesome and engrossing. I think this one is your best work to date because it really feels like everyone involved was truly invested in keeping the memory of the Atlantic and her passengers alive.

[@ronaldgreen8423]

He is a good narrator and story teller. He made you feel like you are on the ship going thru what they are going thru. I was listening to the story in the bed in the dark and it made me get up and cut on the light. He told an excellent story of a tragic past event that happened long ago.🤔

[@TheGreatBigMove]

This is probably the best THG video. I've watched it a few times and have learned something new every time (maybe I just keep forgetting things over time).

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thanks! Though this isn't an official THG video. I made this one personally (and hired some of the team to make the CGI with me), and posted this originally to the THG channel to give the channel a boost. It's now here on my personal channel.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

@@PartTimeExplorer Didn't even notice this was a different channel. I'll check out your other videos on this channel.

[@justinlynch3]

I remember watching this before. I recall getting into a discussion on who was to blame, Metcalf or Williams. While I can agree Williams certainly does take some blame for leaving his post on approach to a dangerous port. I'm sorry, Metcalf actions in all of this are still completely unforgivable in my mind. The guy disobeyed direct orders from the captain, disobeyed warnings from staff that had been to Halifax before, kept stream full speed into the dead of night despite knowing they should be nearing land at any time now, and literally ran the ship up on the rocks. Metcalf isn't the only one to blame, but I do still feel like he is mostly to blame. It was after all his choices and actions, that directly lead to this crash.

[@jameswg13]

To be fair I agree with you as someone that's been at sea and worked on a ship. Metcalf is the primary culprit. Williams I feel can be partly excused. Hard to say how long he had been awake and he had given specific orders to his steward and metcalf on when to be woken. His later actions during the sinking showed his decision making in most aspects was correct

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

The captain needed sleep as much as anyone and his arrangements for approaching land and then entering the harbour were professional, if those duplicated orders had been followed he could well have prevented the disaster. Presumably the person who interviewed him in his cabin and delayed his rest was one of the survivors, he inadvertently contributed to the tragedy.

[@OrianaZ5]

Ever since I read the book "In the heart of the Sea" about the tragedy of the whaleship essex I've been down a rabbit hole of all these ship tragedies. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@sandyschannel6917]

Just started watching your channel and I'm impressed. I'm a bit of a history buff and I like the way you lay it out. Well done!

[@robertronson8666]

A very moving and sad story. Rest in peace the lost of the ss Atlantic. Gone but not forgotten.

[@corncrackerkid5092]

The Clancy family should be considered a House Of Refuge, a group of houses on the Florida Coast (there were more but the last one standing is in Stuart, Florida) well known for caring for and rescuing victims of shipwrecks if not Saints

[@truthseeker2321]

Very well done documentary. Surpasses anything that the so called History Channel has done for ages.

[@averagejoe9040]

Man, I love this documentary so much. You did an absolutely fantastic job.

[@DLAbaoaqu]

I don’t know what it is, but this documentary has a bizarre calming effect on me.

[@yowtfputthemaskbackon9202]

imagine just straight chillin in your shack on a rock, and all of the sudden a guy comes in and goes like "dude we just crashed an ocean liner into your rock"

[@kolloduke3341]

SAD they are not saving his house , it breaks my heart .WHY cant they save it in memory of those poor people /lol

[@toothless7849]

@@kolloduke3341 because money? People arent going to just put their money into a house that no one lives in for historical reasons when they have families to provide for...

[@literallyanox3623]

Home improvement

[@stayoffthemarbles6790]

Legitimately one of the best maritime documentaries out there. Well done!

[@briannalitz2802]

Clearly, the chain of events makes it absolutely ridiculous to put all of the blame on just one person alone. What happened is absolutely heartbreaking. This was so long ago, but I find myself mourning over their loss. Thank you for sharing this. Their legacy for what it was should be remembered. I hope all who perished are resting in paradise.

[@MrElemental101]

Incredibly well put together documentary. I had no knowledge of this disaster until watching this, keep up the good work!

[@paulavallone9296]

Amazing job on this documentary Tom! Viewed it on a recommendation from Sam at the Historical Travels KZbin channel. So very glad I watched it. Very educational and professionally put together. Thank you for keeping this little known part of history alive!

[@kojikakoifish2862]

I have no knowledge or even real interest in ships and sailing beyond KZbin videos and a general love of history. You sir really do a whole lot to keep a total layperson engaged throughout these videos. Your ability to relay events is such that even a total outsider to the way of the sea can follow clearly what is happening and that really is something to be proud of. Congratulations early on your 100k, I'm sure you'll get there.

[@mnztr1]

Outstanding job of telling this story.

[@Katietoo]

This is an amazing production and beautifully illustrates the conditions these poor souls had to experience en-voyage and the horrific deaths they finally experienced. Just the initial bravery required to make the decision to cross the waters in search of a better life-style and home, always leaves me full of admiration. A superb tribute, also, to all the sailors and the helpers who aided and assisted. I am very grateful to have viewed this video, and thank you and all those who participated in its creation, and the various archivists. Well done and thanks for sharing.

[@benlaskowski357]

Great-looking ship. You can almost see glimpses of the Olympics in her lines. Love the footage too. And the ship should have halted upon not seeing the lighthouse. I blame 2nd Officer Metcalf. His duncery got all those people killed.

[@DonnaBrooks]

I gave you a like for that last paragraph. This is what I said when I watched the vid showing the sinking in real time w/ text explaining the events that took place. I blamed the officer who didn't wake the captain & ignored the warnings of the crew member who had experience with the coastline. I stated that I couldn't understand why passenger ships didn't stop in rough seas at night instead of attempting to dock when visibility was so poor along an unfamiliar coastline. His stubbornness got all those people killed.

[@benlaskowski357]

@@DonnaBrooks Agreed.

[@DaystromDataConcepts]

Stumbled across your channel and what a beautifully made video detailing this hitherto unknown tragedy from my perspective. Thank you so much for creating such a poignant tribute to those that lost their lives in this terrible disaster.

[@jackc1186]

My girlfriend thought this was an old school history channel documentary (when they were actually good and actual history and actual documentaries). She didn’t believe this was a KZbinr. You deserve all the subs my guy

[@allisonmcdonough1]

What a horrifying way to go, the Titanic at least stayed afloat for almost two hours, lights burned until the very end and the sea was calm for the lifeboats to be launch. Imagine dying in the dark and alone

[@amara139]

I was unaware of this tragedy, but thanks to your rigorous scholarship I learned so much. Thank you for passion and talent. And bless all of the souls lost on this, and other, voyages.

[@KITT10K]

As an (EXTREMELY amateurish) ship enthusiasts I enjoy videos like this. An incredible job on this video! Keep it up! ❤👍

[@SchwererGustavThe800mm]

This guy and the other channel Big Old Boats are KILLING IT with these documentaries

[@daybird2]

The work involved in each episode is astounding! Definitely, one of the best sites on KZbin!

[@Tendies1910]

I can't believe you only have 27k subs this is freaking amazing

[@could_possiblybe_thane07echo]

His channel absolutely exploded and now has 131k subs

[@AmandaM22587]

incredible work, thank you for honoring the memory of everyone lost and all those who helped save lives in this disaster.

[@violinmerchant]

Fantastic integration of Williams' Fantasia. What a sublime documentary