 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| D I V E S A F E T Y |
| USS Cherokee also referred to as "the gunboat" |
Luckenbach Number 2 (American Tug, 1891).
Previously named Edgar F. Luckenbach.
Served as USS Cherokee (SP-458) in 1917-1918
The 273 gross ton tug Edgar F. Luckenbach was built at Camden, New
Jersey, in 1891. Later renamed Luckenbach Number 2, she was purchased
by the Navy in October 1917, renamed Cherokee (SP-458) and placed in
commission in early December.
While en route from Newport, Rhode Island, to Washington, D.C., on 26
February 1918, USS Cherokee foundered off Fenwick Island Lightship in a
heavy gale. Of a complement of 42 officers and men, only ten survived the
tragedy. This report claims 32 deaths, however the Coast Guard reports 30
died.
Before it was established that she was the USS Cherokee she was referred
to locally as the "Gunboat" because of the deck gun mounted on the bow .
She lies in the sand, relatively intact.
Previously named Edgar F. Luckenbach.
Served as USS Cherokee (SP-458) in 1917-1918
The 273 gross ton tug Edgar F. Luckenbach was built at Camden, New
Jersey, in 1891. Later renamed Luckenbach Number 2, she was purchased
by the Navy in October 1917, renamed Cherokee (SP-458) and placed in
commission in early December.
While en route from Newport, Rhode Island, to Washington, D.C., on 26
February 1918, USS Cherokee foundered off Fenwick Island Lightship in a
heavy gale. Of a complement of 42 officers and men, only ten survived the
tragedy. This report claims 32 deaths, however the Coast Guard reports 30
died.
Before it was established that she was the USS Cherokee she was referred
to locally as the "Gunboat" because of the deck gun mounted on the bow .
She lies in the sand, relatively intact.
In port, probably when inspected by
the Third Naval District in 1917.
the Third Naval District in 1917.