The steamer, which was 4–5 miles offshore, quickly became engulfed in flames and smoke.

[6] The captain and most of the crew survived, but more than 60 on board perished, making it one of Wisconsin's deadliest transportation disasters.

Among those lost was John B. Macy, a former member of the United States Congress.

[8] The Captain insisted the fire could not have started in the engine room, because it was fireproof, and blamed combustible cargo stored below.

The wreck of the Niagara lies in 55 feet (17 m) of water one mile (1.6 km) off Belgium, Wisconsin.