Discover the Point-Sur: Ratings & Maritime News

A dedicated team of researchers aboard the 'Pint Sur' has embarked on their third expedition to locate the wreck of the 'SS Norindo', a vessel that poses a potential ecological threat due to its cargo of heavy fuel oil. The search, which began from Gulfport on April 13, 2023, aims to find the wreck of the American steamship that was tragically sunk by a German U-boat during World War II in the Gulf of Mexico. Previous endeavors yielded magnetic anomalies suggesting the wreck’s location, but inclement weather cut those missions short, leaving approximately half of the targeted search area unexplored. The 'SS Norindo', a 2,686-tonne, 253-foot freighter, represents the first combat casualty of World War II in the Gulf of Mexico, having been torpedoed on May 4, 1942, roughly 80 miles northwest of Dry Tortugas Island. The rapid sinking prevented the seven officers and 21 crewmen aboard from launching lifeboats, resulting in five men perishing with the ship. The rest of the crew was rescued two days later. Meanwhile, the notorious German U-boat continued its destruction spree, sinking two additional freighters, the 'Munger T. Ball' and 'Joseph M. Cudahay', both of which have since been discovered by recreational divers in shallower waters off Florida's coast. According to NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration, the 'Norlindo' is among 87 shipwrecks in U.S. waters that still hold substantial pollution risks from onboard fuel—approximately 5,000 barrels when it sank. The latest search mission is led by scientists from the University of Southern Mississippi, utilizing deep-towed sidescan sonar to meticulously scan promising areas for the wreck. Should they identify high-potential targets, the team plans to deploy a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for visual confirmation and assessment. The search for the wreck is not just about history; it’s also about safeguarding vital ecosystems. An oil leak from the wreck could endanger seabirds near the Dry Tortugas, home to unique avian species not found elsewhere in the U.S., and disrupt the natural habitat for nurse sharks, which rely on these waters for spawning and nursery grounds. For detailed updates and visuals from the ongoing efforts, visit the comprehensive report: https://maritime-executive.com/article/researchers-launch-third-search-for-the-wwii-shipwreck-ss-norlindo.

The Point Sur, a noteworthy 130-foot research vessel, has triumphantly returned to Moss Landing after an extraordinary five-month journey to Antarctica. This maritime marvel, which has dedicated the last thirty years to supporting scientific research within 200 miles of California's stunning Central Coast, accomplished a remarkable feat by sailing nearly 20,000 nautical miles. Such extensive voyages are incredibly rare for ships of this size, making the Point Sur's recent expedition truly noteworthy. Commissioned by the National Science Foundation, the Point Sur previously sailed to regions like the Aleutian Islands and the Bering Sea in Alaska before embarking on this Antarctic adventure. The ship set sail from Moss Landing on November 29, navigating through various maritime challenges until reaching Point Arenas, Chile, after a month at sea. There, the crew welcomed a team of geologists from the University of South Carolina, who were eager to explore the icy waters and collect essential rock samples. Following their successful geological endeavors amidst floating ice, the crew of the Point Sur made a pivotal stop at Palmer Station, the U.S. research facility located in northwestern Antarctica. The ship's return marks not just an end to a key research mission but also showcases the enduring spirit of exploration and scientific inquiry. As the Point Sur docks once again in Moss Landing, it highlights the critical role of maritime research vessels in expanding our understanding of previously inaccessible environments.