Chatham in Barnstable County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The Rescue of the Pendleton
By Sandra Hughes, September 23, 2012
1. The Rescue of the Pendleton Marker
One of the most spectacular small boat rescues on the east coast of the United States occurred on February 18, 1952. The tanker Pendleton broke in half off the coast of Chatham during a fierce Nor' caster storm. In blinding rain and sixty foot seas, the crew of the Coast Guard motor lifeboat CG36500 responded from the Chatham Fish Pier, traversing the treacherous Chatham Bar and rescuing thirty-two crew members of the doomed ship. They were then able to navigate safely back to the Fish Pier in total darkness and without the aid of a compass, which had been washed overboard. This heroic feat has been described by the Coast Guard as the Mount Everest of rescues. Each member of the crew was awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal for their bravery.
The CG36500 was built in 1946 and was retired from service in 1968.
In 1982 the vessel was fully restored through the efforts of volunteers and is maintained through private donations. The lifeboat remains afloat, actively touring ports throughout southeastern New England as a floating museum dedicated to the brave lifesavers of Cape Cod.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list:
By Sandra Hughes, September 23, 2012
2. The Pendleton roos in the sea off Chatham following the rescue.
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Location. 41° 40.26′ N, 69° 56.955′ W. Marker is in Chatham, Massachusetts, in Barnstable County. Marker is on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chatham MA 02633, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Original Prop (here, next to this marker); The Mayflower Story (a few steps from this marker); History of Chatham Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Coast Guard Steel 44-Foot Motor Life Boat CG44301 (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain Mayo / Surfman Ellis (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Battle of Chatham Harbor (about 400 feet away); Chatham Packet Wharf (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Godfrey Windmill (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.
By Sandra Hughes, September 23, 2012
3. The Rescue of the Pendleton
The stern section of the tanker Pendleton on the morning after the wreck. The crew climbed down the Jacob 's ladder hanging off the side of the ship and jumped into the motor lifeboat.
By Sandra Hughes, September 23, 2012
4. The Rescue of the Pendleton
Two survivors were interviewed by local radio station. The story of the incredible rescue was broadcast all over the country.
By Sandra Hughes, September 23, 2012
5. The Rescue of the Pendleton
The crew on the CG36500 relaxes at the station following the rescue, from left Bernard Webber, Andrews Fitzgerald, Richard Livesey Seaman, and Irving Maske Seaman.
By Sandra Hughes, September 23, 2012
6. The Rescue of the Pendleton
Original Prop from Motor Lifeboat CG 36500
This mile rescued 32 seamen from the stricken tanker Pendleton on February 18, 1952.
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places
Credits. This page was last revised on October 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2013, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 545 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 18, 2013, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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