Seawanhaka disaster

On June 28, 1880, a boiler aboard the steamboat Seawanhaka exploded while the boat was in the East River near Wards Island, New York City, setting the boat on fire and resulting in the deaths of 24 to 35 people.^[2][3] A coroner's jury found that although the boiler had passed inspection the prior March and should have been in good working condition, the loss of life was exacerbated by the poor discipline of the boat crew following the explosion.^[3]

History
Name	Seawanhaka
Port of registry	United States
Builder	Terry
Laid down	1866
Fate	Exploded and sunk June 28, 1880
Notes	[1]
General characteristics
Class & type	Paddle steamer
Tonnage	611.74 grt
Length	225 ft (69 m)
Beam	40 ft (12 m)
Draft	6 ft (1.8 m)
Decks	2