A team of researchers from Atlantic Wreck Salvage recently made a remarkable discovery of the steamship Le Lyonnais, which had been missing for 168 years. The vessel was found off the coast of southeastern Massachusetts, sunk during its first return voyage to France in 1856 after colliding with another ship. Out of the 132 passengers and crew on board, only 18 survived, left stranded in a lifeboat for a week. The discovery of the ship has brought closure and a sense of relief to the team that had been searching for it for eight years.
Jennifer Sellitti, a member of the AWS team, expressed her mixed emotions upon finding the ship, including relief, joy, and a sense of “What’s next?” After spending so much time researching the history of the ship and the people on board, finding the wreckage felt like a way to honor those who perished. Despite doubts about finding the ship due to the harsh conditions of the North Atlantic, the team’s perseverance paid off. Sellitti, a public defender from New Jersey, plans to release a book about the shipwreck titled “The Adriatic Affair: A Maritime Hit-and-Run Off the Coast of Nantucket” in February.
The discovery of Le Lyonnais sheds light on the challenges faced by ships transitioning from sail to steam power in the 1850s. Sellitti explains that this transition raised questions about responsibility in cases of collisions at sea and the application of laws on the high seas. Shipwrecks like Le Lyonnais provide valuable insights into maritime history and connect us to the past in ways that stories alone cannot. Although the wreckage of the ship has not fared well over the years, Sellitti and her team are dedicated to fully documenting the site, a process that may take several years.
The harsh conditions of the North Atlantic, including storms, currents, and shifting sands, make it difficult to locate and preserve shipwrecks. Sellitti explains that many wrecks are buried by the ocean over time, while others may be masked by the bottom geology, making them hard to detect on sonar records. Despite these challenges, the team was able to locate Le Lyonnais, highlighting the importance of preserving these remnants of history. Sellitti’s upcoming book will provide further insight into the maritime history surrounding the shipwreck and the events that led to its tragic sinking in 1856.
The discovery of Le Lyonnais has sparked interest in the maritime community and beyond, showcasing the importance of preserving and documenting shipwrecks as valuable historical artifacts. Sellitti’s dedication to telling the stories of those who sailed aboard the ill-fated vessel demonstrates the profound impact that these discoveries can have. Through meticulous research and exploration, the team at AWS has brought to light a piece of history that had been lost for nearly two centuries, offering a glimpse into the challenges and tragedies faced by seafarers in the 19th century. The significance of such discoveries lies in their ability to connect us to the past and provide a tangible link to our maritime heritage.
