21 August 1988 "Scuttling" of Tortuga fore section at sea.
At 0925 21 August 1988 the ex USS TORTUGA (LSD 26) disappeared below the surface of the Pacific Ocean Forever...
The following photos were sent by Ian Williams a dedicated Park Ranger from San Miguel Island.
San Miguel Island is in the Channel Island Chain and is located off of the coast of California not too far from Santa Barbara. Mr. Williams took some of these photos on 21 August, 2003 which was the fifteenth anniversary of the scuttling of the Tortuga. Mr. Williams physically touched the remaining piece of the Tortuga in honor of the men who served aboard her.
It is very treacherous to get close to the remains of the wreckage and is only accessible when swell and tide conditions are right. This doesn't happen very often! More photos may become available in the future.
A big thank you to Mr. Williams for sending the photos and for honoring the men of the Tortuga.
