Shipwreck "American Tanker"

The War Diary of U.S.S. Gear reveals :

U.S.S. GEAR (ARS-34)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California

WAR DIARY of U.S.S. GEAR (ARS-34)
Service Squadron TWELVE
Service Force,
United States Pacific Fleet

Month of September
25 September to 30 Inclusive

Removed salvage gear from sunken breakwater unit No. 5 and rigged U.S. Concrete Oil Barge No. 32 as unit No. 6. 30 September 1944, U.S. Concrete Barge No. 32 was towed out to breakwater moorings by U.S.S. Pakama and this vessel for sinking as unit No. 6. Barge manned by No. 1 and No. 2 Salvage Party plus party from GEAR. Sea and wind conditions were slightly unfavorable. At 0900 Concrete Barge grounded and began pounding. Attempts were made to haul barge in position by use of beach gear. 0930 Barge began pounding heavily, wing tanks No.’s 2, 4, 6 and 8. Stove stove in and Flooding fast, listing to port rapidly. Started starboard pumps in an effort to counter port list. Pumps failed to counter list. 1037, Barge sinking rapidly, all hands abandoned ship without loss of life, or injury. 1058, Barge sunk from sight, sliding down steep coral reef, with all salvage equipage on board. Gear on barge consisted of 8 - 10 inch pumps, 2 - 6 inch pumps, 2 winches, and 4 sets of salvage tac kles plus various miscellaneous equipment including suction hose, discharge pipe, and tools.

Ship''s towing reel was damaged beyond repair and all of towing wire lost over board.

Began salvage operations in 20 fathoms of water to recover equipment.

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Source

• Text: Richard Lewis
• Photos: Leighton Rolley