A Survivor’s Story: The Sinking of the SS Marine Electric

On February 10, 1983 the SS Marine Electric , a WW II era type T-2 tanker converted into a bulk cargo carrier, departed Norfolk, VA on its regular coast run to Somerset, MA with a full load of coal. After clearing the Virginia Capes, she encountered a vicious nor’easter called by the National Weather Service the worst storm in forty years. No one then knew she would never be seen again.

Of a crew of thirty four, only three came home. Foremost, this is Gene Kelly’s emotional first-person story of survival against all odds and of a spirit and determination to never give up.

It is also the story of the sinking’s momentous aftermath. Journalist and author Bob Frump was assigned to investigate the sinking and the fate of the aging US merchant marine fleet. Out of that assignment came his book Until The Sea Shall Free Them, which details how the inquiry into the tragedy led to a bitter lawsuit and to major improvements in the shipping industry, crew safety and sea

rescues.