For ad-free listening to Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs and many other fantastic history podcasts, subscribe to Into History, at IntoHistory.com/shipwreckspod. The General Slocum shipwreck occurred on June 15, 1904, when the passenger steamboat caught fire while cruising along the East River in New York City. Carrying over 1,300 passengers, primarily members of the German-American community on an annual excursion, the disaster resulted in the loss of over 1,000 lives, mainly women and children. Outdated safety measures, locked gates, malfunctioning lifeboats, and inadequate life vests contributed to the tragedy, prompting significant reforms in maritime safety regulations and leaving a profound impact on New York City's history and the public's consciousness. You can support the podcast in multiple ways! Make a one-time donation at Buy Me a Coffee Subscribe to Into History Buy some Merch! Follow on Social Media @shipwreckspod Tell a friend! Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.