The Worst Disasters in History

In this video, we’re gonna go over two disasters that are incredibly similar, but had very different outcomes because of a single person involved. And in particular, in the second story, despite doing everything right, the people couldn’t have known that something horrific was waiting for them anyway. This would go on to be so significant, that it resulted in procedure changes that are still done hundreds of years later. As always, viewer discretion is advised

As per YouTube's new AI disclosure policy, you may see a box pop up that says "Altered or synthetic content". To give specifics on how it's used on this channel, we use it to generate some scenes where real and stock images are not available, as well as some of the AI tools in various programs to speed workflow. Otherwise, all scripts, voiceovers, video editing, etc. is done by humans.

Attributions/Special Thanks for Photographs:
Museovirasto Museiverket Finnish Heritage Agency, PIXELOKAY, alexxx_xarchenko, Marcus Larson / National Museum of Norway, o0ozexo0o, nicks344, Nikhil chatla

This video contains light dramatic reenactment but no actual footage or pictures of anyone being harmed or who has been harmed. The thumbnail is NOT a real image.

Writing and research by Jay Adams

And a huge thank you to the Scary Interesting team of writers, editors, captioners, and everyone else who make this channel possible.

[aubreymorgan]

"I look forward to seeing you on shore, Sir" "Thank you, lad; but not going to happen. I can't swim" Omg like a stab in the heart there.

[krypticmdmn]

I further endorse the "*NO AI GENERATED CONTENT" tag at the start of vids.
I honestly think youve found a great way to put alot of people at ease, knowing they arnt about to listen to a bunch of trash (or see)
Good stuff as always!

[dylanmcfee]

Love it when I hop onto YouTube and the first thing I see is a scary interesting video uploaded less than 10 minutes prior. It's gonna be a good day.

[michaelhettrick]

"I'm afraid that's not possible. I don't know how to swim."

Wow, that got me. The courage it takes to hold himself and 400 of his men together in the face of certain death.

[julierobinson]

Alexander Seton, boy genius - learned mathematics, chemistry, art, music and literature and Latin, Greek. Sanskrit and 11 other languages fluently. Didn't learn to swim...

[drcrip]

respect to the people who risked their life to free the animals so they at least had a chance

[ewarwoowar]

Some pronunciation corrections:
Scilly: "Silly"
Portsmouth: "Ports-muhth"
Torquay: "Tor-key" (quay as in the jetty-like thing for loading and unloading ships).

Also, the Scilly Isles are not Irish, they're part of the county of Cornwall (IE they're English).

[CypressJuice]

Thank you for keeping your content free of AI. I really appreciate it!

[nikispade]

That was probably one of the best stories I've heard. Knowing where the Birkenhead concept came from is amazing. What a brave and strong young man, I hope he and the rest of the loyal crew rest well.

[richardeikenburg]

One of the consistently best YouTube channels. Always done with accuracy, respect and insight into the lives of the people involved. Thank you.

[jackal.korrie]

I've watched many channels that share true life horror and strange tales, but yours stands out as my absolute favorite. You have a rare ability to tell these stories in such an eerily captivating way, making each one feel almost surreal and unbelievable. From your narrative style to the background music and visuals, everything comes together perfectly. Please keep creating more, it’s truly incredible content. Thank you!

[Skarbro]

All hail “JOE”. You rescued 4 men that were certainly doomed. Your name may be lost, but your heroic actions will live on for future generations to learn about. Respect.

[ZombieSazza]

The Birkenhead Drill just gave me vivid images of men valiantly saving the women and children in the eyes of certain death whilst being composed to the end, I’m not sure I could manage such bravery or composure. Captain Robert Salmond was more than a hero.

[dcameron]

As a nova scotia resident with an uncle who does sunken ship exploring, we may be looking into the tribune for a dive. Thanks for this!

[ccaaatttttttt]

thank you for not using AI content! i really appreciated the 'disclaimer' at the start

[sarahcartier]

If he saved his crew he wouldn't sail again, if he died with his ship and men, he wouldn't sail again. Hmmm, obviously death was deemed more admirable. Love your content, look forward to Sundays

[jameslowry]

love the flex with the disclaimer at beginning of video!!! No AI!!!

[brendankelly]

Irish isles of Sicily? I don't remember it happening, but often when drunk we Irish end up freeing stolen lands and sometimes get carried away, take that Italy!

[emilyperry]

I would normally never comment early but I started this video literally two mins after you posted and its motivating me through the last paragraph of my dissertation! Thanks Sean!! 🎉

[User_NL]

The Halifax Explosion on 6 December 1917 is the worst maritime disaster in Halifax Harbour history