The Star of Bengal was an iron three-masted 1,877 GRT merchant sailing vessel built in Belfast in 1874 by Harland and Wolff Industries (the shipyard that later constructed the Titanic).

Though built towards the end of the Age of Sail, she was successfully operated for 24 years by the British trading company J.P. Corry & Co. The ship mainly travelled on the London-Calcutta trading route, but made a few voyages to Australian and American ports.

James Kennedy, my great uncle was the Chief Engineer aboard the steamship Kayak the night the Star of Bengal was lost forever.

Star of Bengal | Timeline
Link: Star of Bengal | Timeline

7-Part Audio Series
Link: 7-Part Audio Series

James Kennedy's Star of Bengal Story
James Kennedy, my great uncle, was the Chief Engineer aboard the steamship Kayak the night the Star of Bengal was lost forever. Today, you'll hear the story in James Kennedy's own words. Thanks to his grandson, Bob Kennedy, we'll play a tape recording of him from 1947. And thanks to his great-great-grandson John Schenk, we'll hear his testimony read aloud from 1908. Taken together, it's one man's story of a harrowing, deadly night.