This valuable book covers the losses of ships around the world larger than 500 gross tons. Beginning in the 1840s during the birth of the steam age, and continuing up to the present day all passenger losses during both wartime and peacetime are recorded. Also included is a useful dictionary section which provides concise descriptions of each vessel lost, many with pictures, and the sad incidents in which they became casualties. A chronological list of the ships is provided for quick and easy reference. A final section examines several intriguing cases of near misses for ships which were severely damaged in incidents but survived to return to service.
This important study is the fruit of many years of research by acclaimed maritime historian David Williams. Over the last two decades he has worked tirelessly to produce a comprehensive catalogue of all major passenger ship disasters which have occurred since 1840. With plenty of illustrations throughout of both the vessels and the tragic moment they met their fate, this is the most extensive listing of passenger ship disasters to date, and will be essential reading for all maritime historians.