Le Lyonnais Shipwreck Found Off Massachusetts Coast

The wreck of the French steamship Le Lyonnais, which sank in 1856 after a maritime disaster, has been discovered by the marine salvage firm Atlantic Wreck Salvage about 200 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. Le Lyonnais, a 260-foot vessel designed for passenger and cargo transport between New York and France, was an innovative example of early steam-powered shipping. The ship collided with the barque Adriatic during its first return voyage, resulting in a tragic accident that claimed 114 lives out of 132 on board. Jennifer Sellitti, a member of the salvage crew, emphasized that the discovery marks both a closure and a new beginning as they plan to document and explore the wreck site. The team aims to map the site and recover artifacts, contributing to the historical narrative of the ship. This significant finding follows years of dedicated searches for the vessel, which was once thought to be lost forever.