The Tragic Loss of the SS City of Rio de Janeiro
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ค. 2024
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The Pacific Mail Steamship Company's SS City of Rio de Janeiro, launched March 6, 1878, was an aging but popular liner on the Pacific, connecting San Francisco with Hawaii, Japan, and Hong Kong. On a routine voyage, she got stuck in a fog bank at Golden Gate, right at the mouth of her home port in San Francisco Bay. On February 22, 1901, she crashed into the rocks at Fort Point and sank within minutes, leaving behind the deadliest disaster in San Francisco history before the Great Earthquake of 1906.
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Sources:
Great Shipwrecks of the Pacific Coast by Robert Belyk
The San Francisco Call Archives
The San Francisco Examiner Archives
This disaster was widely covered by local San Francisco newspapers, providing numerous detailed eyewitness accounts and images. I highly suggest checking them out if you're interested!
Music sourced from Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Chapters:
0:00 San Francisco Fog
2:02 Chapter 1: An Unlucky Career
6:23 Chapter 2: Disaster at Golden Gate
10:47 Chapter 3: Lodged on the Rocks
14:51 Chapter 4: Sudden Chaos
19:16 Chapter 5: The City Wakes to Tragedy
Disclaimer: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue providing free high-quality historical content.
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Thank you so much for watching! This was a sad one but I hope I was able to do the story justice.
The MOVA globe amazon redirect is quite a showpiece of inept programming. It's jsut a redirect to an amazon search, most of that search isnt even Mova, genius.
Not related to this video but just saw they found the Ironton?!
Promo code doesn't work. Pity, I"ve had my eye on one for months.
@ SHARONA R.BROWN YES! it's in (the) Ohio... ..
The word "COMPLACENT" origins are from that of sailing
As someone who's lived in central California for all my 63 years I can say anyone who tried to go into that Bay in dense fog was an absolute fool. You cannot see the hand in front of your face. Heartbreakingly well done.
When rich selfish people make demands tragedy usually follows
The use of the old nature film in the opening sequence was super evocative. Such a storied ship - and a inevitabile doom.👌
What was that film do you know??
He always does such a great job putting these videos together.
@@trentejames9773 sorry I don't know
As a retired Merchant Navy officer I had never heard of the SS Rio Janerio sinking despite visiting San Francisco several times. A great tragedy that should never be forgotten.
You're right
The stories behind these these ship losses are so interesting. I absolutely love these. When you said no interior bulkheads and single plated bottom, I knew a disastrous outcome was in store. As I’ve mentioned in other presentations, I really love that era of shipping of dual modes of propulsion, steam and sail. The maritime art , often depicting ships struggling in heavy seas are beautiful. Thank you for sharing these enlightening stories.
Agreed! A fascinating age of shipping! 👍
💯 I would have loved to lived in the Era of these ships. That or during the transition from wooden sailing ships to ships made of steel and using steam power. Some of those ironclad ships were so cool looking.
I knew there was a disaster coming when I read the title. 🤓
The death of Alfred Daniel Jones aboard the ship in 1883 caught my attention and after doing a bit of research, I think the poor bastard probably had syphilis and the onset of insanity associated with the final stage of the disease happened to occur while he was aboard the ship an is what killed him.
I was wondering about that. The description of events just... fit that seemingly perfectly.
Yes seems plausible for sure
Thank you for producing this. I am a former 20 year resident of San Francisco and knew of the SS City of Rio tragedy anecdotally but was never able to find any detailed accounting of the accident. Thank you for putting names and faces and a proper time-line to this story. There is some mythology that the Rio was carrying a load of silver ingots and the fact that occasional artifacts from the ship are found near the base of the GG Bridge has fueled belief in the existence of this "missing" cargo, sometimes referred to as "chinese tin" in freight manifests.
I know next to nothing about Maritime History and had never been interested until I began watching your intelligent, informative and well-written videos. I appreciate most of all your attention to detail and your use of relevant historical visuals to tell these incredible stories of seafaring vessels. Great work.
i wish that model companies would make more old ships like these
I lived in San Francisco for about 30 years and I loved the sound of the fog horns at night. Yes, the fog gets so dense that you can barely see the lights of the buildings when walking down the street. I've driven in fog so thick that even though I knew the road very well I drove about 15 mph with hazards lights on. The thought of a ship attempting to navigate in it just sounds insane.
Some friends and I tried diving on her being led by a very experienced diver who went to her many times before. She lies mostly buried in mud and mud covered with occasional bits of metal protruding. 110ft to the upper iron. Nothing but the shape of a hull, and visibility about 5ft at best. You can only get to her during the few minutes of slack tide else you risk being swept into the iron and rust, and bottom time is minimal. . I know of no one who has ever gotten a plate or cup from her (the trophy of divers BTW). Not a dive I'll risk again.
I'm surprised there would be much left of her, the salt water taking a toll after so many years.
Thank you for sharing, I was wondering if the wreck was found. Glad to hear it was.
I appreciate the aesthetic of this video. The old footage, the slideshow projector clicks, and your commentary. Interesting story, nice to see a video on it.
I was thinking the same thing. History told like this is compelling!
I was born in Chester, Pennsylvania where the Rio was built. Chester had a big ship building history through the 1960's...
I would lay odds that if the Captain stood his ground everyone would have survived.
RIP too all those lost.
Another great story.
Thank you.
This was great. I'd love to see you do a video on the collision between the SS City of Chester and the SS Oceanic. Similar to the SS City of Rio de Janeiro, its Chinese crewmen were initially falsely blamed for not doing anything to help the passengers, until several heroic actions by them came to light due to survivor testimony, including one crewman Ah Ling who jumped into the water at his own peril to save a young boy.
That last line about daring us to live forever was haunting and beautiful
You really took a huge chance the further back in maritime history you go with oceanic crossings.
Yes you did but we still lose(sink, or disappear)on average between 50-100 boats and big ships every single year to this day.
@@madisonbrown5766 this is true. Think how many more from the past possibly undocumented waiting to be discovered . They seem to keep finding new or previously lost documented wrecks frequently. It's nice to finally hear the stories after all.
@@dianachack8779 True. It’s scary. I love watching them find old ships. They said there’s hundreds of them in the English Channel alone. Wow.
@@madisonbrown5766 yeah that's insane to me as well as the antiquities they keep coming across in the Baltic Sea. Then you have the Great Lakes ....🫣
@@madisonbrown5766 while that is true. Statistics have shown that the survival rate is much better now than it used to be.
Of course, death still happens. But rescue and evacuations are more effective now than they were 150 years ago.
We went from “drifting in ocean in hope of being seen on a little boat exposed to elements” to “enclosed lifeboats to protect from elements, safety equipment like lights, localisers, flares, and things like helicopters, distress signals and distress calla with very very long range, search airplames that can detect body heat signatures in the middle of the night, and tons of other things
21:19 the editing, the music, photos of the dead and the old footage makes such a beautiful and touching clip. Feels very respectful of the loss of lives. There's many reasons why I keep coming back to your channel, but moments like that leave a mark with me.
"Daring us to believe we will live forever..." the single most beautiful line I have ever heard in a youtube video. Wow. This video is something special.
The crew always appreciates your work, Captain Bradley.
Fascinating and tragic story, and well told. Language barriers between crew was partly responsible for the mess onboard Costa Concordia too. Pretty sad that some lessons have never been learned.
Narrator, I never knew I was interested in old boats until I heard your story telling and your voice. You are literally the ‘perfect’ narrator.
I’ve said it before, your articulation is perfect. Absolutely perfect. Not only is your English and grammar absolutely perfect, your voice and inflection is the perfect accompaniment to your research. I have used your video to show an example of perfectly delivered ‘English’. Content is so interesting, here I am, scared of the water and boats, pretty much now obsessed.
Thank you for your efforts Narrator. 🙏
It is my understanding that once the Pilot takes command on the bridge he is in complete command for steering and engines unless he relinquishes command or the Captain relieves him in the extremis. But the Captain must be on the bridge all the time. Am i wrong here?
You're correct. That's how it works, at least today. Back then I'm not sure if the rules were the same.
Ships still take a San Francisco Bar Pilot onboard to enter the Golden Gate.
@@danielkorladis7869 While land bound now I was raised on the NY Narrows. Once the pilot came to the Bridge the vessel was his to command in engines and steerage. But the Captain remained on the bridge . My uncle was Chief Engineer on United States for most of her career. Cheers for San Francisco!
"Something you might read about, on a plaque, by the sea. And forget about, by the time you get, in your car". How very true, and profound😔…………
Very good documentary, my man, very good. You captured, an essence in your storytelling👍!!!
Where’s you find the old footage ? I’m obsessed with the 1850s-1930s. It seems there as a golden era especially in Brazil and South America.
The pre Panama, pre Suez era.
No wonder it was a gilded era.
Glad it's over, otherwise I may have been unable to leave.
Only found your channel recently and so far I love it! Keep up the awesome work!
Welcome aboard!
I found it a few months ago, binged everything and now wait gleefully for new uploads
Yet again we see a lack of caution.
1. when in a safe position in bad weather, wait.
2. If someone decides to get under way in bad weather i.e. fog, see number 1
A tragedy that could have been avoided & demonstrate yet again that saving money and a lack of regulation produces an unhappy outcome.
I do hope the lookout at the life saving station lost his job due to negligence.
Thanks for the video
Thanks for bringing this lost history back to life, nicely done!
I had such an awful day, but the steady, somber, but thoughtful tales you tell seriously improve my evenings. I needed this, thank you. I can't afford to support financially but I'm thankful for your sponsors, patrons, and my fellow views. Cheers
The rescue station lookout guy had ONE job to do and didn't do it.
That Harbour Pilot was VERY chummy with the family of big wigs that wanted to get there faster... I have to say we'll never know, but it does look suspicious.
That part where you said we think we will live forever really got me - that was sad. Especially over the footage of the people walking on the Golden Gate Bridge - so alive on that bright sunny day - but now all of them are long gone.
Another fine job with this one! I appreciate that you can tell these tragic stories without resorting to a lurid or ghoulish approach, and that you treat the memories of the lost with gravity and respect.
Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Your use of historical footage and photography is fantastic! In all aspects, your channel is a wonderful source of entertainment and knowledge.
As usual, your final comments are both bone chilling and thoughtful
Absolutely harrowing. I adore this channel. Thank you so much for all you do 💜
Shipwrecks have always been fascinating to me, and you do great job telling the story leading to the end. The history of the ships, crew, passengers, and the voyage from beginning to the final destination should always be remembered. I was just reading in the news about a shipwreck the SS Pacific was located off the Washington coast was found after 30 years of hunting for it. Washington and Oregon coast is the graveyard of the Pacific many ships and lives lost. Great video.
Have you looked into any of the wrecks of the Alaska Steamship Company? I would love to see some content on Alaskan shipwrecks, it would be really cool.
I wonder what the last five minutes of the Captain's life were like.
These just get better and better. I'm deeply touched by the personal stories which go with the tragedies, whether they were survivors or not. Great work!
Harbor pilot overulle captain and it was him who ordered raise anchors and move. Maybe he was under pressure from Wildmens after captain refused, which led him to risk it even if visibility was so poor. It was terrible decission and he did exactly oposite of his job.
This was fantastic, thank you!
Very well done. Thank you for the superb research and presentation.
Your story delivery is inspiring! Bravo! Great docu!
Excellent presentation Sir. I hope your membership continues to grow.
Another great analysis of a sea voyage gone awry. Thanks for these very interesting and historical videos, Big Old Boats! 👍 😎🇦🇺
Even with radar the fog around golden gate is pretty nasty.
Thank you for your interesting content and excellent presentation. Hearing the sound of the foghorns brings back many childhood memories so I thank you for that!
Love your stuff mate. I'm fascinated by the sea, ships, shipwrecks, and sea mystery. Cheers! 😄👍
Great work Big Old Boats, RIP to the fallen.
When they wonder why so few women made it, it is perhaps also due to the womensclothing of the time was very cumbersome and heavy when wet. I guess pants and shirts would make it easier for the men to swim rather than heavy skirts that will tangle your legs 🤔 Just a thought. Despite so many perished it is also amazing how brave many people behaved and for sure saved lives.
sooo much this! it was nearly impossible to swim in outfits like that! Fall overboard and you NEED a flotation device or you'll die for sure.
Has to do with strength and aggression in moments like these. Women can't compare. It's just the way God designed the TWO sexes.
Nicely done video. Sad tragedy.
Excellent video, thank you very much! 👍🏻😀
High quality presentation ~ thankyou !
An excellent telling of a tragedy that should not be forgotten. Your gift for story telling is exquisite. Thank you sir. Salute! 🌹⚓
Many thanks for another great video, where do you find so much black and white movie reel in reference to sinking ships and you always edit it to fit the story really well. Look forward to your next video.
Awesome story. Well done!
Interesting video, thanks! ($300 for a 6" globe on a tacky stand is kinda steep)
Great documentaries every time!
Wonderful as always. Thanks,
Very fine and very lovely video to the memories of those people.
Very well done. Good use of clips from older films.
Many thanks!
Honey... it's a new day with old boats ❤️
Thanks again for the content
Great story, and narration. 💕
Beautiful narration.
Watching a video about a shipwreck. Get ad about a cruise. Me: aw hell naw.
I like you. And your work. Keep at it.
As usual, a great job.
I'm a born and raised Bay Arean. That last line about the Golden Gate made me bawl lol
Thanks friend.
Awesome video
Very well presented
Captivating story. ❤
I stop to try and read the microfiches of the old newspapers.
Sometimes they are fairly clear and even the fine print is readable.
I am stunned that the grand jury in this instance, was able to reach its conclusion in
apparently just 6 days.
A good narration of a sad story
Well done, thanks
Love your doll videos, more please!
Well done!
Seriously,good job.I have liked, subscribed, and commented dementedly, way too much
Its scary to think that one can do perfecly fine, then have their brain break down and die in an abnormal mental state in just a few days
This might have been caused by a trauma injury. Or maybe an infection/poisoning. Maybe blood clot in brain?
Another banger video
Good stuff
Came bc of the channel name. Subbed bc of the content. Still best channel name 😊
Oh damn! 2 videos in a month!
Ooh, nice sponsor there! What an apt companion.
Well done.
This is one of those shipwrecks that fills you with a sadness.
What is the name of the music you use starting at 6:23? I hear that haunting, Spanish-sounding guitar in a lot of shipwreck videos you do, especially for those on the west coast. I'd love to listen to it as background music.
I love your videos. You might look into joining Nebula. I love the service and you'd fit right it
Nice!
I wonder which films were used to illustrate the sinking of the City of Rio De Janerio in this video.
way to go, lifeguard...
What Documentary is that footage in the beginning from ?? Very curious
Great video…an SF native.
6:43
Hey, that's not too far from where I live!
Good morning just became great morning
Hey can you explain how you make these great videos i am planning on making videos on Forgotten steamboat/steamship disasters
or what editing app
Where is the best place to recommend ships to do videos on? Yt, twitter, patreon?
It doesn't matter how important you think you are, the weather always takes precedence.