The YPs knew the harbor at La Parouse Pinnacle had been mined, but for security reasons, only the lead ship, the Challenger (YP-239) had a map of their locations.
On May 23, the YPs entered the harbor single file behind the Challenger. Suddenly, the Triumpho (YP-277), third inline, exploded, then exploded again. Then a third monster explosion disintegrated the ship. Total fatalities were unknown, but YPs typically carried crews of17.
The other three YPs arrived safely at their destination.
No one knows what caused the end of the Triumpho (Triumfo). Some believe it hit a mine, others say it was a fuel accident.
--GreGen
The USS North Carolina (BB-55) My all-time favorite warship. As an elementary school student in North Carolina, I donated nickels and dimes to save this ship back in the early sixties.
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