The 'Titanic' of Walensee: How a Steamer Dragged Everyone Onboard into the Abyss

A memorial plaque near Weesen on the shores of Walensee serves as a somber reminder of a maritime tragedy. The inscription reads: "In the night of December 16/17, 1850, the steamship 'Delphin' sank on its journey from Walenstadt to Weesen during a storm. None of the thirteen people on board survived." This plaque, erected in 2023, honors the victims of an event that deeply shocked the region and beyond.

The 'Delphin' was a small paddle steamer, capable of carrying 80 passengers. Built in 1843, it initially sailed on Lake Zurich before being refitted and deployed on Walensee in the summer of 1850. It operated on the regular night postal route, traveling at a modest 16 kilometers per hour. The ship required stabilization with two balance poles in rough waters, and unlike some other vessels like the 'Splügen,' it proved less resilient against the unpredictable winds of Walensee.

Emil Zopfi, a Swiss writer, extensively researched the sinking and published a documentary novel titled 'Der Untergang des Delphin. Die Titanic vom Walensee' in 2021. His work likely informed the placement of the memorial. Zopfi theorizes that the 'Delphin' succumbed to a sudden downdraft, locally known as 'Plättlisser,' a powerful wind that rushes down from the steep Churfirsten cliffs onto the lake.

Contemporary reports from the NZZ described the disaster, noting that the steamship departed Walenstadt at 12:15 AM in calm weather. However, it was caught in a severe storm en route. Despite nearing Weesen, visible to port officials, the ship vanished without a trace during an exceptionally violent gust of wind. The night passage was a standard service, essential for mail delivery and passenger transport.