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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Online Library of Selected Images -- Picture Data

Photo #: NH 97177

SS President Pierce


"Navy Battles to Save U.S. Merchantman -- The American President Line freighter President Pierce lists precariously in Yokohama Harbor, Japan, after Navy firemen had pumped tons of water into her burning holds. Alongside the President Pierce are commercial and Navy tugs and in the background other Navy ships stand by for possible need."
Photograph and caption were released by Commander Naval Forces, Far East, under date of 14 February 1953.
While en route to Japan with military cargo, President Pierce caught fire when acetylene tanks exploded in one of her holds. Note fire damage to her midships superstructure.
Forwardmost ship alongside President Pierce's starboard side is the U.S. Army tug LT-356. A U.S. Navy harbor tug and several small craft are also present. A Japanese Maritime Safety Agency patrol vessel is in the right distance.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the "All Hands" collection at the Naval Historical Center.

Online Image: 80KB; 740 x 625 pixels

 

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14 December 1999