USS Cyclops

USS Cyclops was a United States Navy collier that served in a support role in the early 20th century. Launched in 1910, the Cyclops was one of the Navy's largest fuel ships at the time, designed to supply the fleet with coal at sea. However, the ship is best known for its mysterious disappearance in 1918, which has since become a significant part of maritime lore, often associated with the Bermuda Triangle.

Design and Construction

The USS Cyclops was constructed by William Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With a displacement of over 19,000 tons, the vessel was an impressive feat of naval engineering for its time. It measured approximately 542 feet in length and had a beam of 65 feet. The ship was powered by two triple-expansion steam engines, which allowed it to reach speeds up to 15 knots. Its primary role was to transport coal, which was essential for the operation of steam-powered vessels before the widespread adoption of oil fuel.

Service History

After its commissioning in 1910, the USS Cyclops served mainly in the Atlantic Ocean, supplying American and Allied ships with coal during World War I. The ship made several voyages between the United States, the Caribbean, and South American ports, proving to be a vital asset for naval operations.

Disappearance

The most notable and enduring aspect of the USS Cyclops's history is its disappearance in March 1918. The ship set sail from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, bound for Baltimore, Maryland, with a cargo of manganese ore, which is used in steel production. After a stopover in Barbados for supplies, the Cyclops and its 306 crew and passengers vanished without a trace. No distress signals were received, and an extensive search found no wreckage or survivors. The disappearance of the USS Cyclops remains one of the largest losses of life in U.S. Naval history not related to combat.

Theories and Legacy

Numerous theories have been proposed over the years to explain the fate of the USS Cyclops. These range from mundane explanations such as structural failure due to overloading or a sudden storm, to more speculative theories involving German U-boats, mutiny, and even paranormal phenomena associated with the Bermuda Triangle. Despite extensive investigations, the U.S. Navy officially states that the cause of the disappearance remains "unknown."

The mystery of the USS Cyclops continues to fascinate historians, naval enthusiasts, and the public. It has been featured in various books, documentaries, and articles, often cited as a prime example of the unexplained mysteries of the sea. The ship's disappearance also contributed to the legend of the Bermuda Triangle, an area in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean where ships and aircraft are said to have vanished under mysterious circumstances.

See Also

• Bermuda Triangle
• List of missing ships
• Naval history of the United States