USS Turner
Destroyer · United States · Lost 1944 · New York Harbor
A destroyer destroyed by explosions at the entrance to New York Harbor in January 1944, within sight of the city.
The Vessel and Her Loss
Commissioned in 1943, the destroyer Turner had escorted Atlantic convoys before returning to New York. On the morning of 3 January 1944 she was shaken by internal explosions while at anchor off Ambrose Light and sank with heavy loss of life. Survivors were carried ashore in a rescue effort that included one of the first helicopter medical flights.
Vessel
- 1943
- Not established
- Not established
- Steel
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Steam turbine
- Not established
Loss
- January 3, 1944
- Fire
- Off Ambrose Light, at the entrance to New York Harbor
- New York Harbor approaches, Atlantic Ocean
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Many of her crew were lost; published totals vary.
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- Not established
- Wreckage on a sand bottom, extensively cleared after the loss.
- Not established
- Not established
- Sunken military craft of the United States Navy.
Position
- 40.45° N 73.85° W
- Reported, unconfirmed
- Ambrose Channel, New York
Evidence
Overall confidence: Documented (75/100)
The cause of the explosions and the exact number of lives lost are not established in the sources reviewed.
Naval History and Heritage Command
Service record, loss date, circumstances.
United States Coast Guard historical records
Rescue operations.
