The Circus Ship: The Royal Tar Tragedy
The horrifying fire and sinking of the Royal Tar killed 32 people and a menagerie of animals.
The Royal Tar was a Canadian steamship built in 1835. On October 25, 1836, the ship was on voyage from Eastport, Maine to Portland, Maine. On board were 72 passengers, 21 crew, and a large caravan of animals that were part of a traveling menagerie. The caravan included horses, lions, camels, a tiger, birds, reptiles, and even an elephant. when the ship's boiler ran dry due to a leak. When the boiler became red hot, it ignited the timber and supports above. The crew was unable to control the fire, and were forced to save themselves. Panic ensued, with passengers, crew, and terrified animals trying to avoid the fire. Animals and people jumped overboard, in a horrifying scene. 32 people and all of the animals except for 2 horses perished.
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