Steamer Independence Fire
Margaretta Island, Lower California
February 16, 1853
The steamer Independence, traveling from San Juan del Sud to San Francisco, ran aground on the shoals about a mile off Margaretta Island, near Lower California (present day Isla Santa Margarita, Baja California Sur, Mexico), around 5 a.m. on February 16, 1853. After striking, the Independence was able to back off the shoal. But, the captain found eight feet of water in the hold and ordered the pilot to run her aground on the beach. She made it to within 300 yards of the land. At that point, the ship caught fire, which spread rapidly, and created panic among the passengers. The surf was heavy and the ship's life boats were swamped the first time they were attempted to be used. The fire reached the powder magazine and it exploded with terrible force, shattering the steamer's stern to pieces and throwing fragments in every direction. Many of the passengers were blown into the sea, while others jumped in. They were immediately carried out to sea by the strong current sweeping from the shore. Those who did reach the shore watched helplessly as the struggling men, women, and children perished by the fire and in the sea. The ship swung around broadside to the beach. Her coal caught fire and she was totally destroyed - burned to the water level. The passengers who did survive found themselves on an uninhabited island without fresh water. They were there for fifty-six hours before they were able to attract the attention of some whaling vessels in Magdaline Bay, a few miles away. The whaling vessels came to their rescue and took them off the island. Of over 500 passengers, at least 140 were killed. Some were burned to death, others were killed by the explosion, but most drowned as they were swept out to sea. |
