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80 years after commission, a sub chaser sinks into history

Sub-chaser SC-772 in 1943.
The National Archives
Sub-chaser SC-772 in 1943.

A World War Two-era submarine chaser has itself sunk to the watery depths. The 110-foot long vessel designated SC-772 was undergoing restoration when it sankin the inland port town of Longview, Washington on June 28th.

Designed to hunt and destroy Axis submarines along the Pacific Coast, SC-772 had an ample armament: one 40mm gun mount, one/two twin mount .50 cal. machine gun(s), two/three depth charge projector "K Guns," and 14 depth charges.

De-commissioned in 1945, the vessel had undergone various restorations and private owners, and was reportedly being turned into a bed and breakfast. The cause of its sinking is unknown, but a diving and salvage crew has removed 1.500 gallons of oily water from the vessel. SC-722 had reportedly been carrying 500 gallons of vegetable oil when it sank at its pier.

Copyright @2022, KLCC.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.