Valiant
Steam/Motor Yacht · United States · Lost 1930 · Southern California & Catalina
A luxury yacht once owned by Seabiscuit's owner burned and sank at Catalina Island during a 1930 dinner party.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Launched in 1926 as the Aras, the steel-hulled yacht was later purchased and renamed Valiant by California businessman and racehorse owner Charles S. Howard. On December 13, 1930, while anchored at Descanso Bay near Avalon, an engine-room fuel spill ignited and fire quickly overwhelmed the vessel. All 27 aboard escaped safely, and the burning hull eventually sank. It remains a popular shallow dive site at Catalina Island.
Vessel
- 1926
- Newport News Shipbuilding
- Newport News, Virginia
- Steel
- 162 ft
- 26 ft
- Not established
- Gasoline generator power
- Charles S. Howard
Loss
- December 13, 1930
- Fire
- Descanso Bay, Santa Catalina Island, California
- Pacific Ocean, Santa Catalina Island
- Not established
- Not established
- 27
- 0
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- 70-100
- Collapsing steel hull, popular shallow dive site.
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- 33.35° N 118.32° W
- Approximate position
- Descanso Bay, Santa Catalina Island, California
Position reflects the general dive site location off Descanso Bay near Avalon.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Documented (85/100)
Build history, ownership, loss narrative and casualties.
Dimensions, depth, and site description.
