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cover of episode FtV - The Wreck of the Royal Tar

FtV - The Wreck of the Royal Tar

2025/6/9
logo of podcast New England Legends Podcast

New England Legends Podcast
AI Chapters Transcript
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The Royal Tar, a ship carrying the Burgess and Dexter Zoological Institute circus, sank in October 1836 due to a boiler leak and subsequent fire. The overloaded ship, lacking sufficient lifeboats, resulted in a significant loss of human and animal life. This tragic event highlights the importance of maritime safety regulations and responsible decision-making.
  • Boiler leak caused a fire
  • Overloaded ship with insufficient lifeboats
  • Significant loss of human and animal life
  • Human error contributed to the disaster

Shownotes Transcript

Welcome to New England Legends From the Vault – FtV Episode 118 –  Jeff Belanger and Ray Auger stroll the beaches of Maine’s Vinalhaven Island in Penobscot Bay reminiscing about the circus, and exploring the history and wreck of the Royal Tar—one of New England’s worst maritime disasters. In October of 1836, 32 people perished along with a menagerie of animals from the Burgess and Dexter’s Zoological Institute in an event that still haunts the coast of Maine. Joining us for After the Legend is author Jane Parks Gardner, who just released her latest book, The Wreck of the Circus Ship Royal Tar: Tragedy in Penobscot Bay. This episode first aired May 28, 2020.

 

Check out the new book by Jane Parks Gardner, The Wreck of the Circus Ship Royal Tar: Tragedy in Penobscot Bay. https://janepgardner.com/the-wreck-of-the-circus-ship-royal-tar-tragedy-in-penobscot-bay/) 

 

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