Welcome back to “Ocean Echoes: North Carolina’s Shipwreck Chronicles.” In this second episode, we delve into the harrowing story of the Santore, a vessel whose journey met a tragic end in the Chesapeake Bay during World War II.
The Fateful Day
On June 17, 1942, the Santore, commanded by Master Eric Nyborg, was navigating into her position in convoy KS-511. At 13:48 hours, an explosion occurred on the port side, the result of a mine laid by U-701 just days earlier. The blast extensively damaged the ship’s #1, #2, and #3 side tanks and the #1 and #2 holds, causing the vessel to flood rapidly.
A Rapid Sinking
The Santore developed a severe list of 90° to port and sank in less than three minutes. With no time to launch lifeboats, the eight officers, 29 crewmen, and nine armed guards abandoned ship by jumping overboard or using a single raft. Tragically, three crew members were lost in the chaos.
Rescue and Aftermath
The survivors, 43 in total, were picked up within 30 minutes by US Coast Guard vessels and taken to Little Creek, Virginia. The Santore, returning to Chile with holds full of coal, had been navigating through a channel previously declared “clean,” only to be struck by the remaining mine.
A Hazard to Navigation
Declared a hazard to navigation, the wreck of the Santore was blown to pieces by the US Coast Guard Cutter Gentian. The only recognizable remnants are the boilers, which now serve as a habitat for marine life and a popular spot for lobster diving and spearfishing.
The Santore’s story is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by maritime crews during wartime, where even a channel deemed safe could turn deadly in an instant.
—
Join us every Saturday!
We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the history of Santore. Be sure to join us every Saturday for more episodes of “Ocean Echoes: North Carolina’s Shipwreck Chronicles.” Each week, we’ll bring you new stories of sunken ships, maritime mysteries, and the brave souls who sailed them. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on our latest episodes.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through history. Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring!
Watch the Betrayed by Clearance: The Santore’s Sudden End. Don’t just read about it, experience it with us! Watch it on our YouTube channel. Hit the like button if you find the information helpful, and subscribe to our channel for future real estate updates and valuable insights.
