Does anyone have any information at all about a drowning or 21 men during a failed launch on the Uss Kearsarge cv-33 on May 31, 1948? My frineds dad drowned during this incident and he never got to met or know him.I am tryng to help him find out information because e doesn't have a computer. If anyone knows the details or how to obtain information about this or any crewmen involved during this incident or relatives that may know your help would be greatly appreciated! God Bless and thank you. P S The seaman's name was Artuhr Caparelliotis seaman 1st class
Thanks again
replied to: auntyjill
Replied to: Does anyone have any information at all about a drowning or...
I do not quite know what you mean by a "failed launch."
I was aboard the Kearsarge that May night, 1948, as an AF3 (Aviation photographer) in Air Group 3.
I believe we were to leave Hampton Roads the following morning for the Mediterranean. We were anchored "in the stream" -- a few miles offshore and liberty parties were ashore in Norfolk. The boats that shuttled the sailors back and forth to the landing were called Liberty Launches. They were open, with an inboard engine and could carry 60 men I believe.
The last launch returning from Norfolk had a full load when it swamped in rough seas. All aboard were tossed into the cold and rough waters. As I remember it, 30 were drowned and 30 were recovered. I still have a photo or two of half-drowned sailors who were brought back aboard the Kearsarge. It was cold and raining, I believe.
I am not very good at this computer thing, being an old codger of 83. I don't mind giving you my email address which is easier for me to use. It is marlowe@windstream.net. I will be glad to tell anyone all that I remember of that night and the following few days. It was just a matter of luck that I was not on that liberty launch.
Gene Marlowe
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