West Loch Disaster at Pearl Harbor: A Forgotten Tragedy
On May 21, 1944, a devastating explosion occurred at West Loch, a portion of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, resulting in one of the most significant disasters in American history. The West Loch Disaster, as it came to be known, was a tragic event that left 163 sailors and civilians dead, and over 350 injured. Despite its severity, the incident remains largely forgotten, overshadowed by the more infamous attack on Pearl Harbor that occurred nearly two and a half years earlier.
The Incident
The West Loch Disaster occurred when a series of explosions and fires broke out among a group of Landing Ship, Tank (LST) vessels moored in West Loch, a portion of Pearl Harbor. The LSTs were being prepared for the upcoming invasion of Saipan, which was part of the Allied campaign to capture the Mariana Islands from Japanese forces.
At approximately 3:00 pm on May 21, a fire broke out on LST-39, which was loaded with fuel, ammunition, and other explosive materials. The fire quickly spread to other nearby LSTs, including LST-43, LST-69, and LST-313. As the fires raged on, a series of massive explosions occurred, sending shockwaves through the harbor and causing widespread destruction.
Response and Aftermath
The response to the disaster was immediate, with nearby ships and shore-based personnel rushing to assist in the rescue efforts. Despite the heroic efforts of the responders, many lives were lost, and numerous sailors and civilians were injured.
In the aftermath of the disaster, an investigation was conducted to determine the cause of the explosion. The investigation found that the fire on LST-39 was likely caused by a combination of factors, including the improper handling of fuel and ammunition, as well as inadequate safety measures.
The West Loch Disaster had significant repercussions for the Allied war effort. The loss of the LSTs and their crews delayed the invasion of Saipan, which was eventually launched on June 15, 1944. The incident also led to changes in safety procedures and protocols for handling explosives and fuel on naval vessels.
Remembering the Forgotten
Despite its significance, the West Loch Disaster remains largely forgotten, overshadowed by the more infamous attack on Pearl Harbor. However, efforts have been made in recent years to commemorate the victims of the disaster and to raise awareness about this important event in American history.
In 2019, a memorial was dedicated at the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center in Pearl Harbor, honoring the sailors and civilians who lost their lives in the West Loch Disaster. The memorial serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served during World War II and the importance of remembering and honoring the forgotten.
🚨 Note: The West Loch Disaster was a classified incident during World War II, and as a result, many details about the event were not publicly known until many years later.
Key Statistics
- Date: May 21, 1944
- Location: West Loch, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
- Number of fatalities: 163
- Number of injuries: over 350
- Number of LSTs destroyed: 6
- Number of ships damaged: 17
Timeline of Events
- 3:00 pm: Fire breaks out on LST-39
- 3:15 pm: Fire spreads to nearby LSTs
- 3:30 pm: Explosions occur on LST-39 and nearby vessels
- 4:00 pm: Rescue efforts begin
- May 22, 1944: Investigation into the cause of the disaster begins
- June 15, 1944: Invasion of Saipan launched
| Ship | Status |
|---|---|
| LST-39 | Destroyed |
| LST-43 | Destroyed |
| LST-69 | Destroyed |
| LST-313 | Destroyed |
| LST-353 | Damaged |
| LST-355 | Damaged |
What was the West Loch Disaster?
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The West Loch Disaster was a devastating explosion that occurred on May 21, 1944, at West Loch, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, resulting in the loss of 163 lives and over 350 injuries.
What caused the West Loch Disaster?
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The investigation into the disaster found that the fire on LST-39 was likely caused by a combination of factors, including the improper handling of fuel and ammunition, as well as inadequate safety measures.
How many ships were destroyed or damaged in the West Loch Disaster?
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Six LSTs were destroyed, and 17 ships were damaged in the West Loch Disaster.
In conclusion, the West Loch Disaster was a significant event in American history that resulted in the loss of many lives and had a profound impact on the Allied war effort. Despite being largely forgotten, the incident serves as an important reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served during World War II and the importance of honoring the forgotten.
