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PINTHIS
Photo: Fishable Wrecks and Rockpiles by Tim Coleman and Charley Soares
Type:
Coastal tanker
History:
Built in 1919, the steel coastal tanker Pinthis
was a typical steam vessel of the day. Following a departure from
Norfolk, VA and carrying a cargo of 12,000 barrels of oil, the Pinthis
collided in fog with the steamer Fairfax sustaining a mortal blow to
her port side. An explosion resulted and in less than 20 minutes, the
tanker capsized and sank. All 19 of her crew were lost in the
sinking. The sea burned for several days following the sinking from the
escaping oil. The Fairfax was set afire and many of her crew were
injured or burned to death from the resulting explosion. Despite the
damage, however, the Fairfax was spared. In the end, 47 people
lost their lives from this tragedy.
Boston Globe article covering the 1930 sinking of
the Pinthis
Today, the Pinthis lies in approximately
105 fsw, turtled. She is largely intact, although some of her hull
plates have collapsed. Penetration into a cavern-like interior is
possible, though some areas can become constricted among the mangled
wreckage. The wreck has a "machine-gunned" appearance, a
result of the burned out rivets once holding her plates together through which
light filters. Visibility averages 25-30' and currents are light to
moderate in this
area. The wreck lies on a rock and sand bottom, which helps to keep the
visibility good. There is some fishing line to be weary of, as this wreck is
also popular among cod fisherman. However, generally speaking this wreck serves
divers well.
Photos:
The Fairfax following the Pinthis sinking.
Photo: Shipwrecks Around Boston by William P Quinn
Hull plates in the forward section.
Bow chain (left) and at right looking back at the
hull from the end of the bow.
The port side of the wreck has a few openings but
is mostly an intact, smooth hull.
An opening to the interior of the wreck (left) and
(right) the top of the hull.
An opening into the interior along the starboard
side of the wreck (left) and (right) collapsed hull plates in the bow area.
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