Disaster · 1917

The Last Telegraph Before Halifax Exploded

On the morning of December 6th, 1917, a railway dispatcher named Vincent Coleman sends the last message of his life by telegraph. Twenty minutes later, a ship in Halifax Harbour becomes the largest man-made explosion in history. At eight forty-five that morning, a French munitions ship called the SS Mont-Blanc collides with a Norwegian freighter in the Narrows of Halifax.

Watch the episode · 90 seconds

The full written article for this episode is on its way. In the meantime, the 90-second episode above covers the story. Browse all articles →

Full Articles

Natural Disaster · 1958 The Lituya Bay Megatsunami Read → Maritime Mystery · 1900 The Flannan Isles Lighthouse Read → Climate · 536 AD The Year the Sun Went Dark Read →