SS President Coolidge

SS President Coolidge was a luxury ocean liner that was originally built for Dollar Steamship Lines. It was later acquired by American President Lines during the Great Depression. The ship was named after the 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge.

Construction and Design

The SS President Coolidge was built by William Cramp & Sons, an established shipbuilding company based in Philadelphia. The ship was designed to be a luxury liner, with accommodations for first-class, tourist class, and third class passengers. The ship was 654 feet long, 81 feet wide, and had a gross tonnage of 21,936.

Service History

The SS President Coolidge began service in 1931, providing passenger service between San Francisco and Manila, via Honolulu and Japan. During World War II, the ship was converted into a troopship by the United States Navy. The ship was sunk by mines in Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides, now known as Vanuatu, on October 26, 1942.

Sinking

The SS President Coolidge hit two mines while trying to enter the harbor at Espiritu Santo. The captain, Henry Nelson, attempted to beach the ship but it sank in over 60 meters of water. Of the 5,340 men on board, only two were lost, making it one of the most successful ship evacuations of World War II.

Wreck

Today, the wreck of the SS President Coolidge is a popular dive site. It is one of the most accessible shipwrecks of its size and type, and is known for its numerous artifacts and war relics.

See Also

• List of ocean liners
• List of shipwrecks