December 6, 1863: Sinking of the USS Weehawken

DECEMBER 6TH, 1863:  The USS Weehawken, Commander Duncan, sank while tied up to a buoy inside the bar at Charleston harbor.  The Weehawken had recently taken on a load of heavy ammunition which seriously reduced the freeboard forward.

In a strong ebb tide, water washed down and open hawse pipe and a hatch.  The pumps were unable to handle the rush of water and the Weehawken foundered, drowning some  two dozen officers and men.

--Old B-Runner