Darlington

The Darlington was a sturdy iron-hulled steamer built in 1881, at the beginning of the age of steam-driven ships. She was constructed at the Swan & Hunter Shipyard in Newcastle, England. She measured 285 feet long, with a 36 foot beam, and a hull displacement of 1,990 tons. The wreckage of this proud vessel was caused by negligence and inexperience. She was en route from New Orleans to Bremen, Germany, carrying a cargo of cotton and grain. Her captain failed to assign a lookout while navigating in unfamiliar waters. On February 22, 1886, she crashed into Bermuda’s western reefs and could not be refloated. The wreck lies in 30 feet of water, with her steam boilers, propeller shaft and deck winches still visible.