Seawanhaka
Paddle Steamer · United States · Lost 1880 · Long Island & the New York Approaches
A commuter paddle steamer bound for Roslyn that caught fire after a boiler failure in the East River, killing dozens of passengers despite the captain's efforts to beach her.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Vessel
- 1866
- Terry
- Not established
- Wood
- 225 ft
- 40 ft
- 612
- Steam, side paddle wheels
- Long Island North Shore Freight & Transportation Company
Loss
- June 28, 1880
- Fire
- East River near Ward's Island / Hell Gate approach
- East River
- Peck Slip, Manhattan → Roslyn, Long Island
- Not established
- 300
- 30
- Charles P. Smith
The Wreck Today
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- 40.79° N 73.94° W
- Approximate position
- Ward's Island, New York City
Position corresponds to the widely published location of the explosion near Ward's Island.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Documented (80/100)
Reported casualty totals vary across contemporary and modern sources, ranging from about 24 to more than 50 dead.
Wikipedia: Seawanhaka disaster
Vessel specifications, date, cause, casualty range.
The New York Times archives, 'The Burned Steam-Boat' and inquest coverage
Contemporary account of the disaster and subsequent inquiry.
Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society
Route history and narrative of the captain's actions.
