Retired US Coast Guardsman PJ Ornot served 24 years as a Rescue Swimmer, and shares some of his most memorable moments during his career.
Category: Maritime History
The Baltimore Bridge Disaster
On March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland collapsed after being struck by the container ship MV Dali.
The Raft of the Medusa
The French frigate Medusa wrecked in 1816 off the coast of modern Mauritania. The survivors, left on a makeshift raft, endured starvation, dehydration, and cannibalism before rescue. The incident sparked public outrage and inspired Théodore Géricault’s famous painting “The Raft of the Medusa.”
The Sinking of the Vasa
The Swedish ship Vasa was a warship built in the early 17th century during the reign of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. Despite being one of the most powerful warships of its time, the Vasa sank on its maiden voyage in 1628, just minutes after setting sail from Stockholm’s harbor.
The Steamship Pulaski: Lost in the Dark
The steamship Pulaski, launched in 1838, was a renowned vessel of its time, known for its luxurious accommodations and innovative engineering. Tragically, it met its demise in 1838 when a boiler explosion caused the ship to sink off the coast of North Carolina, resulting in the deaths of 128 of the 192 on board.
El Faro: The Clock is Ticking
The sinking of the SS El Faro in 2015 was a devastating maritime disaster that occurred during Hurricane Joaquin. The American cargo ship, owned by TOTE Maritime, was en route from Jacksonville, Florida, to San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it encountered the powerful hurricane, leading to a distress call reporting a hull breach and severe listing. All 33 crew members tragically lost their lives, prompting investigations that revealed a combination of factors, including decisions made by the captain and maintenance issues, contributing to the disaster.
The Final Voyage of SS Atlantic
The SS Atlantic of the White Star Line crashed into the rocks of Nova Scotia on April 1, 1873, killing 550 people. The people of the isolated fishing communities selflessly risked their own lives to rescue hundreds.
The Lost Franklin Expedition
The Franklin Expedition of 1845 was a British voyage led by Sir John Franklin in an attempt to navigate the Northwest Passage. The fate of the expedition remained a mystery for over 150 years until the wrecks of the Erebus and Terror were discovered in 2014 and 2016 respectively.
The World War 2 Royal Navy Assault on the French Navy
In 1940, after Nazi Germany’s Western Europe invasion, France capitulated and became a puppet state, while Britain stood alone against Germany. Concerned about the French Naval fleet surrendering to Germany, Britain proposed an ultimatum to Vichy France, leading to a breakdown in their alliance. The events led to intense battles at Mers-El-Kebir and Dakar involving leading military figures of the period.
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior, on November 10, 1975. The ship was caught in a sudden, vicious November gale with 30 foot waves and 90 mile an hour winds.