SS Tarpon (Shipwreck)

Infobox nrhp2
name = SS Tarpon


caption =
lat_degrees = 30
lat_minutes = 5
lat_seconds = 42.12
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 85
long_minutes = 56
long_seconds = 33.3
long_direction = W
location = Bay County, Florida, USA
nearest_city = Panama City
built = 1887
locmapin = Florida
established = May 31, 2001
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
refnum = 01000527
governing_body = Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The SS Tarpon (originally known as the Naugatuck) is a shipwreck (which sank in 1937) near Panama City, Florida, United States. It is located convert|7.8|nmi|km|1|sp=us off the shore of Panama City. It became the sixth Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve when it was dedicated in 1997. This was followed on May 31, 2001 with its addition to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

History

The twin screwed steam ship the SS Tarpon was built in 1887, at Wilmington Delaware by shipbuilders Pusey and Jones. She was originally christened the Naugatuck. she measured 130 feet with a beam of 26 feet. The superstructure and passenger areas of the vessel were wood and the hull was iron. She was powered by twin steam engines driving iron screws.

The ship was sent back to the manufacturer in 1891, after being sold by the original owner. The hull was lengthened by 30 feet and she was renamed the Tarpon. In 1902 she was sold to The Pensacola, St Andrews, and Gulf Steamship Company. Captain Willis Green Barrow took command, and capatained the ship for 30 years.

Tarpon sailed weekly runs from Mobile, Pensacola, St. Andrews Bay, Apalachacola, and Carrabelle, making the trip 1,735 times.

On August 30, 1937 the Tarpon was loaded in Mobile, with 200 tons of cargo and 31 people including the crew. Despite a forecast of calm weather, the wind began to pick up, and the heavilly ladened ship took on water in the high seas. Despite jettisoning cargo, the ship foundered with a heavy loss of life.

References

* [http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/FL/Bay/state.html Bay County listings] at [http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com National Register of Historic Places]
* [http://www.flheritage.com/archaeology/underwater/preserves/uwtarpon.cfm SS Tarpon] at [http://www.flheritage.com/archaeology/underwater/preserves/index.cfm Florida's Underwater Archaeological Preserves]
* [http://www.flheritage.com/services/sites/fht/record_t.cfm?ID=105&type=t&index=16 SS Tarpon Underwater Archaeological Preserve] at [http://www.flheritage.com/services/sites/fht Florida Heritage Tourism Interactive Catalog]
* [http://www.rmediver.com/id36.html SS Tarpon] Commercial diving website