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The United States Navy Memorial

Navy Memorial Honoring the Men & Women of the Sea Services

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Nipsic

Ship Designation: 
-
Date Lost: 
Saturday, March 16, 1889
Storm at Apia Samoa
In March 1889, three American warships had been sent to Apia, Samoa, to represent the United States and her interests. a civil war on the strategically located island. The upheaval had gained the interest of the German and British governments as well, and warships representing each nation stood cautiously in the harbor. ... Beginning March 15, 1889, a violent storm struck the islands, destroying or disabling six of the seven warships in Apia Harbor. ... Screw steamer USS Trenton, screw sloop USS Vandalia, and gunboat USS Nipsic were all wrecked, resulting in the deaths of 51 sailors.

Lost At Sea Log

Number of sailors in this log: 7

Namesort descending Service Branch
Apprentice George Callan USN
Seaman John Gill USN
Apprentice Joshua Heap USN
Cabin Steward Thomas Johnson USN
Coal Heaver David Kellcher USN
Coxswain Henry Pontseel USN
1st class Firema William Watson USN
Various Sources