Tamaroa WMEC-166

USCG Tamaroa reef
Type:
artificial reef, fleet tugboat, cutter
Built:
1943, Portland, OR, as USS Zuni AT-95
Specs:
( 205 x 38 ft ) 1,235 tons (light)
Sunk:
Wednesday, May 10, 2017 - DelJerseyLand Artificial Reef
GPS:
38°31.144' -74°30.747'
Depth:
125 ft
USCG Tamaroa reef
Zuni assists the torpedoed cruiser USS Reno, 1944

Tamaroa was originally US Navy fleet tug Zuni, AT-95 ( Attack Tugboat? ) A fleet tug is a fully ocean-going vessel with the speed and range to go with the fleet wherever that takes it. For Zuni, that was the South Pacific, where she served in operations in the Marianas - Saipan and Guam, the Philipines and China, Caroline Islands - Palau and Peleliu, and Iwo Jima.

USCG Tamaroa reef
As a black-hulled Coast Guard cutter, 1947

USS Zuni was transferred to the Coast Guard in 1946, becoming USCGC Tamaroa WAT-166, later WMEC-166, a Medium Endurance Cutter. She served on the East Coast until 1994 and was a central figure in the book and movie "The Perfect Storm" ( although another vessel played her in the movie. )

USCG Tamaroa reef
Tamaroa capsized in a flooded drydock, New York, 1963

Efforts in Portsmouth VA to preserve the Tamaroa as a museum ship were well underway in 2012 when a leak in the engine room sank her, causing a collapsed bulkhead as well. More leaks and were found, and the effort had to be abandoned - the old hull had deteriorated beyond any reasonable repair. It was decided to use the famous ship as an artificial reef rather than scrap it outright.

USCG Tamaroa reef
Tamaroa in 1990, around the time of "The Perfect Storm" - Halloween 1991
USCG Tamaroa reef
Tamaroa painted back to Navy colors, 2008
Note that the 3" deck gun is gone
USCG Tamaroa reef
Just prior to sinking
I guess we'll finish with the obligatory 'pointing at the sky' shot

Comments on Tamaroa

John Fargo:

March 5, 2022 at 12:38 pm

I served aboard the CGC Tamaroa from 1983-1986 and I was wondering if anyone has taken any pictures of her since her reefing and if so, where would I be able to see them?

Thank you.

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