Story
This freighter vc2-s-ap3 victory ship) was built in 1945 by Kaiser Co. Inc. in Richmond, CA.
Historical Notes
On January 19, 1947 this vessel, outbound to Yokohama with a cargo of grain, foundered one quarter mile west of Buoy No. 6 outside the entrance to the Columbia River. The US Coast Guard picked up the crew 2 hours later with the ship USCGC Triumph. The crew and lifeboats were found near the SS Columbia by a river pilot schooner. Columbia river pilots ship program started in 1846, to help ships safety cross the treacherous Columbia River Bar. The Liberty ship SS Joseph Gale picked up some of the crew before the US Coast Guard ship arrived.
Owners & Masters
In 1947 she was by and owned by the United States War Shipping Administration, San Francisco CA USA (managed by Oliver J. Olson & Co.).
Masters
Captain Canute Rommerdahl (1947);
Armament
1 × 5 inch (127 mm)/38 caliber gun;
1 × 3 inch (76 mm)/50 caliber gun;
8 × 20 mm Oerlikon guns
Named Features
Named for Drexel University in Philadelphia PA USA.
References
- Don Marshall (1984) Oregon Shipwrecks
- Merchant Vessels of the United States (1946)
