Status - John Skinner - USS O'Brien:
On the 18th, problems worsened all day, and by the afternoon, the crew was informed of the possible need to abandon ship and that preparations had been made. Course was set for Pago Pago, the nearest port, with the emergency destination of the island of Upolu, Western Samoa.
Overnight the flooding became worse, and by morning, the ship had more severe damage, as cracks had formed in several areas. The bottom opened up at 6:00 AM, and the deck began to rupture about a half hour later, at which point the order to abandon ship was given. The crew spent several hours in lifeboats and in the water. Many had to swim to the accompanying vessels. The sharks having business elsewhere that day, all hands were rescued.
Around 8:00 AM, the end came for O'Brien. Below are pictures of the sinking, as the bow and stern folded upwards but did not separate, and the ship sank slowly as one unit, still held together by the main deck.
Click Read More to see the full narration of the last day from Damage Report #28, pp. 6-8:
