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

Inscription. 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.

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.

Other nearby markers.

The Pendleton roos in the sea off Chatham following the rescue. image. Click for full size.

By Sandra Hughes, September 23, 2012

2. The Pendleton roos in the sea off Chatham following the rescue.

At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Mayflower Story (a few steps from this marker); History of Chatham Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of Chatham Harbor (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Memory of the Pioneers of Chatham (approx. 0.9 miles away); Samuel De Champlain (approx. 0.9 miles away); Chatham Radio/WCC (approx. 2.8 miles away); French–Atlantic Cable Company (approx. 8.3 miles away); Jonathan Young Mill (approx. 8.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.

Also see . . . Rescue 36500. Rescue! No other word so illuminates the courage and selflessness of the human species at the peak of its form. On the night of February 18, 1952, a ferocious northeast storm slammed waves as high as 60 feet into the hulls of two tankers off Chatham. One sent out a distress call before she broke up, and rescue ships zeroed in on her from Portland to Nantucket. That was the Fort Mercer. (Submitted on February 18, 2013, by Sandra Hughes of Killen, Usa.)

Categories. • Notable Events • Waterways & Vessels •

The Rescue of the Pendleton image. Click for full size.

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 June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on February 18, 2013, by Sandra Hughes of Killen, Usa. This page has been viewed 473 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 18, 2013, by Sandra Hughes of Killen, Usa. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.