Sinking SS Central America

map plotting track , intensity of storm, according saffir–simpson scale

on 9 september 1857, ship caught in category 2 hurricane while off coast of carolinas. 11 september, 105 mph (165 km/h) winds , heavy seas had shredded sails, taking on water, , boiler threatening go out. leak in 1 of seals between paddle wheel shafts , ship s sides sealed fate, and, @ noon day, boiler no longer maintain fire. steam pressure dropped, shutting down both pumps had been keeping water @ bay , paddle wheels kept pointed wind ship settled stern. passengers , crew flew ship s flag upside down (a sign of distress in united states) try signal passing ship. no 1 came.

a depiction of sinking

a bucket brigade formed , passengers , crew spent night fighting losing battle against rising water. during calm of hurricane, attempts made boiler running again, these failed. second half of storm struck. ship on verge of foundering. without power, ship carried along storm , strong winds not abate. next morning, september 12, 2 ships spotted, including brig marine. 1 hundred fifty-three passengers, women , children, managed make way on in lifeboats. however, ship remained in area of intense winds , heavy seas pulled ship , of company away rescue. central america sank @ 8:00 evening. consequence of sinking, 425 people killed. norwegian bark, ellen, rescued additional fifty waters. 3 picked on week later in lifeboat.