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Statistics About The Most Famous Shipwrecks

Statistics on the most famous shipwrecks include the Titanic, which sunk in 1912 and claimed over 1,500 lives, and the Lusitania, which was torpedoed during World War I resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities.

Last Updated: June 23, 2024

Written & Summarized by: Jannik Lindner

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In this post, we will explore some of the most famous shipwrecks in history, each with its own tragic and significant impact. From the well-known sinking of the Titanic to lesser-known maritime disasters, these events have left a lasting mark on the world’s collective memory.

Statistic 1

"The Titanic sank in 1912, resulting in the death of more than 1,500 people."

Statistic 2

"The RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1915, resulting in more than 1,100 deaths."

Statistic 3

"The shipwreck of the USS Arizona during the Pearl Harbor attack resulted in the death of 1,177 crewmen."

Statistic 4

"The Andrea Doria collided with the MS Stockholm and sank in 1956, leaving 51 dead."

Statistic 5

"The wreck of the Mary Rose, one of Henry VIII's warships, was recovered in 1982 after it sank in 1545."

Statistic 6

"The SS Sultana explosion in 1865 is considered the worst maritime disaster in US history with approximately 1,800 deaths."

Statistic 7

"The Vasa, a Swedish warship, capsized and sank during its maiden voyage in 1628."

Statistic 8

"The Estonia ferry disaster in 1994 led to 852 people dying."

Statistic 9

"The wreck of the Spanish Galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha contained an estimated $450 million worth of treasure when located in 1985."

Statistic 10

"The sinking of MV Dona Paz in 1987 is the deadliest peacetime maritime disaster, with an estimated 4,386 deaths."

Statistic 11

"The USS Maine explosion and sinking in 1898 led to the deaths of 260 American naval crewmen."

Statistic 12

"The Batavia shipwreck off the coast of Western Australia in 1629 resulted in a mutiny and mass murder of the survivors."

Statistic 13

"The La Belle ship sank in 1686. Its excavation in the 1990s was one of the most important in American archaeology."

Statistic 14

"The loss of MV Wilhelm Gustloff in 1945 remains the deadliest disaster in maritime history, with over 9,000 lives lost."

Statistic 15

"The USS Monitor was the first ironclad warship commissioned by the United States Navy during the Civil War and sank in 1862."

Statistic 16

"The HMS Invincible, a 74-gun ship of the Royal Navy, ran aground in the East Solent in 1758."

Statistic 17

"The Sao Jose slave ship that sank in 1794 was carrying 400 slaves, of which more than half died."

Statistic 18

"The CSS Alabama was a notorious Confederate commerce raider, sinking 65 Union vessels during the Civil War."

Statistic 19

"The Edmund Fitzgerald, the largest ship on North America's Great Lakes, sank suddenly during a gale storm in 1975 with all 29 crewmen."

In examining a range of significant shipwrecks throughout history, it becomes starkly evident just how catastrophic these events have been in terms of loss of life and historical impact. From the tragic sinking of the Titanic and the Lusitania to the maritime disasters like the Estonia ferry and Wilhelm Gustloff, the statistics paint a sobering picture of the dangers faced at sea. These shipwrecks not only resulted in massive loss of life but also hold valuable historical and archaeological significance, shedding light on both human tragedies and technological advancements in naval history. Overall, these statistics serve as a somber reminder of the risks and consequences involved in maritime activities, shaping our understanding of past events and emphasizing the importance of maritime safety and preservation efforts.