You Are There: Shipwreck of the DeLong at HMB, Dec. 1922 (2)

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From the Coastside Comet:

“Realizing the hopelessness of the case, members of the crew have rigged up a cable from a high bluff near the wreck to the De Long and the work of salvaging guns, munitions and valuables has started.

“A.T. Gilcrest of Half Moon Bay returning from the scene of the wreck declares that there was no chance of saving the vessel.

“Pumps are keeping the water from advancing as the crew rushed the salvage work.

“Despite the fact that the engine room is flooded and that there is more than six feet of water in the stern much valuable property is being saved.

“The De Long still stands upright and has not commenced to break- up….unexplained trick of fate the destroyed plowed over two rock reefs undamaged and went high and dry on nthe beach within a stone’s throw of dry land. Big breakers sweep towards her from the rear, but the wrecked war vessel is clear of the pounding surf.”

Shipwreck of the DeLong at HMB, Dec. 1922 (1)

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From the Coastside Comet:

“The United States destroyer, DeLong probably has found its final resting place on the beach a mile south of Halfmoon Bay.

“Hopelessly grounded in shallow water, with two rocky reefs behind her and hindering her chances of eer being dragged into deep water, Destroyer ‘129’ probably willl remain on the beach to distinegration.

“The powerful sez tugs, Sea Ranger and Sea Monarch, after standing nearby for many hours, have been recalled. They were unable to get a line aboard the stranded vessel. The combined efforts of tugs Sea Ranger, Sea Monarch and Undaunted, and the cruiser Frederick probably would have been futile, as it would be an almost impossible feat to drag the stranded vessel over the two reefs to safety….”

“to be continued…