The Tragic Shipwreck of La Luna in 1860
The mid-19th century was a time of great hope for thousands of European emigrants seeking a new life in America. They left their homelands with dreams of prosperity and freedom, braving long and often perilous journeys across the Atlantic. However, for some, the trip ended in tragedy, as it did for the passengers of La Luna, an American ship that met a devastating fate on February 16, 1860.
A Ship Full of Dreams
La Luna was an American ship carrying emigrants eager to escape poverty, political unrest, and a lack of opportunities in Europe. The ship was bound for New Orleans, Louisiana, United States—a land seen by many as a beacon of hope.
The Fatal Night
In the early hours of February 16, 1860, La Luna encountered extremely severe weather near the French coast. The storm, described as exceptionally fierce, pushed the ship off course. With near-zero visibility and waves battering the hull, the ship struck hidden rocks near the Gatteville lighthouse, close to Barfleur. The impact was catastrophic, tearing the vessel apart and plunging it into the icy waters. It remains the worst civilian maritime disaster ever to occur off the Cotentin coast.
In the early hours of February 16, 1860, La Luna encountered extremely severe weather near the French coast. The storm, described as exceptionally fierce, pushed the ship off course. With near-zero visibility and waves battering the hull, the ship struck hidden rocks near the Gatteville lighthouse, close to Barfleur. The impact was catastrophic, tearing the vessel apart and plunging it into the icy waters. It remains the worst civilian maritime disaster ever to occur off the Cotentin coast.
An Alsatian Presence Among the Victims
Among the passengers of La Luna, eight were from the Bas-Rhin region: Lehmann Salomon and Mina, Meyer Léopold, Sophie, Lienhard, and Henriette, Loeb Joseph – all from the commune of Lembach – and Hermann Bernard from Rothbach.
A Legacy of Mourning
The sinking of La Luna highlighted the dangers of transatlantic travel during an era when overcrowded ships, unpredictable weather, and rudimentary navigation posed constant risks. .
Remembering La Luna
Today, the story of La Luna serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by those seeking a better life. While the dreams of its passengers were never realized, their courage and hope endure as a testament to the human spirit.
The shipwreck of La Luna remains a lasting symbol of the sacrifices made by emigrants in pursuit of their dreams – a journey filled with both boundless hope and profound risk.
160 years later, similar tragedies are unfolding in the Mediterranean Sea, as African migrants risk their lives seeking Europe, a land they view as an eldorado. Some even risk their lives a second time crossing the English Channel in pursuit of the United Kingdom.
Sources :
Article
https://www.wikimanche.fr/Naufrage_de_La_Luna
List of deceased Alsatians
Archives d’Alsace, Strasbourg site, cote 15 M 63.
Photos
Gatteville beacon
https://www.wikimanche.fr/Fichier:Vue_du_phare_de_Gatteville,_Petit.jpg
Sailingboat sinking
https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b6927710c.item
