( March 6th 1964) TANKER EXPLODES, SINKS.
“At approximately 0402 (PST) on 6 March 1964 while the SS BUNKER HILL was en route from Tacoma, Washington, to Anacortes, Washington, and in approximate position 48 degrees 23 minutes North, 122 degrees 45 minutes West, an explosion occurred in the No. 9 cargo tanks causing the vessel to break in two. In less than an hour, the vessel had sunk. Of the 31 persons on board, the master and four crewmembers who were in the midship house are missing and presumed to have been lost.”
(AP wirephoto)
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Built by Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Chester, Pennsylvania.
Yardnumber 242. UMSC No. 317. Off. nr. 241580,
Keel laid 15-08-1941. Launched 06-04-1942. Completed 30-04-1942. Gr. 10196 t., Net. 6253 t., Dw. 16613 t. L.o.a. 159,57 m., Br. 20,78 m., Dr. 9,23 m. Engine: 2 steam turbines, manufactured by General Electric Company, Lynn, Massachussetts. 7240 B.h.p., 5401 kW. Speed 15 knots. 26 Tanks.
History:
BUNKER HILL-1943 completed for United States War Shipping Administration, Philadelphia, USA.
BUNKER HILL-1945 for Keystone Tankship Corporation, Wilmington, Delaware, USA.
Additional Reports:
Reported Bunker Hill suffered explosions and fire 6 Mar 1964 in Rosario Strait, near Anacortes, whilst on voyage from Tacoma to Anacortes in ballast. Broke in two and sank. 5 Crew members lost.
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