One by one-mountainous seas swept them from the vessel as rescuers watched helplessly, unable to work in close to the vessel due to shallow water and high seas. In the early evening hours of February 18 th , Pendleton 's bow grounded on Pollack Rip Shoal. However, the great blizzard of that year toppled this structure forcing the Coast Guard to demolish what was now a hidden navigational menace. Today portions of the tanker's wreckage rise to within 25 feet of the surface. Some large machinery can be found including the ships generator.
Wreckage lies twisted and scattered with little structure remaining for penetration.
Testament to the fury wrought by Mother Nature and mans destructive force. The vessel was of partially fabricated, welded construction. Last regular Coast Guard inspection in Jacksonville, Florida. Back to Top Salvage On the morning of February 24 th , the salvage tug Curb owned by the Merritt-Chapman and Scott Corp. , of New York, put a man aboard Pendleton 's bow and reported finding the body of one man in the forecastle of the tanker. Later identified as Herman G. Gatlin, seaman, no other bodies were ever recovered.