SS Marine Electric: The Wreck That Changed the Coast Guard

Summary

The SS Marine Electric was a bulk carrier that tragically sank off the coast of Virginia on February 12, 1983, claiming the lives of 31 of its 34 crew members. The incident remains one of the most significant maritime disasters in U.S. history, with its impact leading to profound changes in maritime safety regulations.

Background and Voyage

The SS Marine Electric was originally constructed in 1944 as a T2 tanker during World War II. Later converted into a bulk carrier, the ship was operated by Marine Transport Lines. On its final voyage, the Marine Electric was carrying a load of coal from Norfolk, Virginia, to Somerset, Massachusetts. The ship, though well-used, was considered seaworthy by its owners and had passed Coast Guard inspections.

However, the Marine Electric had a history of maintenance issues, and the weather forecast for its voyage was far from ideal. As the ship headed into a severe winter storm, it encountered rough seas, high winds, and freezing temperatures, which would soon push the aging vessel to its limits.

The Disaster

On the night of February 11, 1983, the Marine Electric encountered the full force of the storm. Heavy seas battered the ship, and its bow began taking on water. As the crew attempted to pump out the water, it became clear that the vessel was in serious trouble. The ship began to list, and the crew could not regain control.

In the early hours of February 12, the Marine Electric issued a distress call. The U.S. Coast Guard dispatched helicopters and other vessels to assist, but the situation deteriorated rapidly. As the ship continued to take on water, it capsized and sank in the frigid Atlantic Ocean, just 30 miles off the coast of Chincoteague, Virginia. The majority of the crew, thrown into the icy waters, succumbed to hypothermia before they could be rescued. Only three survivors were found clinging to a lifeboat.

Investigation and Aftermath

The sinking of the SS Marine Electric prompted an extensive investigation led by the Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The inquiry revealed significant flaws in the ship’s maintenance and safety procedures. The investigation found that the hatch covers were poorly maintained, the vessel’s structural integrity was compromised, and there were insufficient lifeboats and survival suits for the crew. Additionally, the inspection process by both the Coast Guard and the American Bureau of Shipping was found to be inadequate, with inspectors missing critical signs of the vessel’s poor condition.

The disaster also highlighted the dangers of allowing aging ships to remain in service without thorough inspections and modern safety equipment. As a result of the investigation, sweeping changes were made to U.S. maritime regulations. These included stricter inspection procedures, mandatory survival suits on all vessels operating in cold waters, and the phasing out of older ships that did not meet updated safety standards.

The sinking of the SS Marine Electric also led to the establishment of the Coast Guard’s Rescue Swimmer program, which has since saved countless lives. The tragedy served as a stark reminder of the risks that mariners face and the critical importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards in the shipping industry.

Legacy

The loss of the SS Marine Electric stands as a somber chapter in maritime history, underscoring the importance of ship maintenance, safety regulations, and proper crew training. The disaster not only claimed the lives of 31 men but also served as a catalyst for reforms that have since improved the safety of countless seafarers. The legacy of the Marine Electric is one of change borne from tragedy, ensuring that the mistakes made that fateful night are not repeated.

Gallery

A large oil tanker with cargo holds at sea. — The Marine Electric after being converted by MTL.

An oil tanker at sea. — The World War 2 era T2 Oil tanker Hat Creek. The Marine Electric started as the almost identical T2 tanker, Musgrove Mills.

A middle aged man wearing a suit talking to two other men. — Chief Mate Robert Cusick’s testimony and evidence was crucial to proving the deteriorating condition of the Marine Electric.

A young seaman in uniform — Third Mate Eugene Kelly survived a grueling ordeal holding on to a life ring in frigid water for almost two hours.

A man holding his right hand up to take an oath — Domenic Calicchio being sworn in to testify.

The USCG Cutter Point Highland participated in the search and rescue operations, and recovered bodies from the water.

A line drawing of a ship sinking by the bow. — A diagram of how the Marine Electric sank, in the USCG Marine Casualty Report.

A diagram of hatch covers showing damaged spots. — A diagram of the damage to Hatch No 1, according to Bob Cusick’s sketches.

A nautical chart showing the coast of Virginia and Maryland. — The location of the Marine Electric wreck site.

A bronze plaque showing the names of those who perished. — A memorial to the Marine Electric at the Merchant Marine Academy in Bourne, Massachusetts.

A memorial to the Marine Electric at Waterman's Park, in Chincoteague, Virginia. — A memorial to the Marine Electric at Waterman’s Park, in Chincoteague, Virginia.

Survivors

Robert Cusick, Chief Mate

Paul Dewey, Able Seaman

Eugene Kelly, Third Mate

In memory of the crew who perished on February 12, 1983

John Abrams, Utility

Clayton Babineau, Second Mate

Eric Boden, Chief Cook

Stevie Browning, Third Assistant Engineer

Philip Corl, Master

Peter Delatolla, Bosun

Jose Fernandez, Deck Utility

Charles Giddens, Third Assistant Engineer

Malcom Graf, Electricians Mate

Celestino Gomes, Utility

Robert Hern, Ordinary Seamen

Robert Harrel, Ordinary Seamen

Charlie Johnson, Able Seamen

Albion Lane, Radio Officer

Edward Mathews, Able Seamen

Richard Morgan, Wiper

William Mulberry, Electrician’s Mate

John O’ Connel, Ordinary Seamen

Richard Powers, Chief Engineer

Michael Price, Second Engineer

Jose Quinones, Steward

Anthony Quirk, Electrician’s Mate

Richard Roberts

Thomas Reyes, Utility

Raul Ruiz, Wiper

Howard Scott, Second Assistant Engineer

Norman Sevigny, Able Seamen

David Shepard, Utility

Ricardo Torres, Able Seamen

George Wickboldt, Engine Cadet

John Wood, Able Seamen

Sources

U.S. Department of Transportation/United States Coast Guard. MARINE CASUALTY REPORT, SS MARINE ELECTRIC, O.N. 245675. CAPSIZING AND SINKING IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN ON 12 FEBRUARY 1983 WITH MULTIPLE LOSS OF LIFE. United States Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation Report and Commandant’s Action.

USCG Marine Casualty Report Download

NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD. MARINE ACCIDENT REPORT, UNITED STATES BULK CARRIER MARINE ELECTRIC CAPSIZING AND SINKING ABOUT 30 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF CHINCOTEAGUE, VIRGINIA FEBRUARY 12, 1983. UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT. MARCH 1984.

NTSB_Marine_Accident Report – Marine Electric Download