SS Ville du Havre sinks in mid-Atlantic collision

Background. SS Ville du Havre was a French iron steamship operating between northern France and New York. On 15 November 1873, she departed New York with 313 passengers and crew under Captain Marino Surmonte. Meanwhile, the British three-masted full-rigged ship Loch Earn was on a voyage from London to New York City.

Collision. At approximately 2 a.m. on 22 November 1873, halfway across the Atlantic, Loch Earn's Captain Robertson spotted Ville du Havre dangerously close. He rang the bell and turned the helm to starboard. Despite these efforts, Loch Earn struck the steamship amidships, tearing open its side for 9 meters and penetrating 3.6 meters deep.

Aftermath. Ville du Havre sank within 12 minutes, splitting in half. 226 people died, all from the steamship. 87 survivors were brought aboard Loch Earn, which remained afloat until it was abandoned and sank on 28 November. The survivors were later landed in Cardiff, Wales, on 1 December 1873.

Inquiry. The Board of Trade commenced an inquiry into the disaster, which concluded on 28 December 1873. The court unanimously decided that the officers of Loch Earn were not responsible for the unfortunate events. The inquiry focused on the collision and the subsequent sinking of the vessels.