USS VESTAL (AR-4)



Moored outboard Arizona, Vestal was struck by two bombs and heavily damaged during the attack. The first impacted her forecastle which penetrated several decks before detonating within a metal storage room. The second bomb passed through the ship and exploded beneath her stern. In addition, she was heavily damaged by the explosion of Arizona's forward magazines, which blew Vestal's skipper Cassin Young overboard. Climbing back aboard, Young ordered his men to cease abandoning ship, and eventually two tugs came alongside to tow Vestal to Aiea Shoals where she was beached to prevent sinking.


SHIPS DATA

NAME: Vestal

HULL NUMBER: AR-4

DIMENSIONS:

Displacement: 8,100 tons
Length Overall: 465' 9"
Maximum Beam: 60' 2"
Maximum Draft: 18'

MACHINERY:

Engines: Parsons geared turbines
Horsepower: 7,000
Maximum Speed: 16 knots


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PHOTO GALLERY

AS A COLLIER IN 1909
STARBOARD VIEW, GUANTANAMO BAY, FEBRUARY 1939
AFT STARBOARD VIEW, LISTING AFTER THE ATTACK
AFT VIEW, BEACHED AND LISTING



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