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.
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