The USS Amesbury, a World War II naval destroyer that later became a hazardous shipwreck off South Florida, has become the center of a mystery surrounding a recently discovered log detailing the ship’s travels. Maritime archaeologist Matthew Lawrence of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is intrigued by the journal and the insights it provides into the experiences onboard the USS Amesbury. The log contains entries dating back to the ship’s commission in 1943, including significant events such as the end of the war with Germany in 1945.
One of the most poignant entries in the log is dated April 7, 1945, where it simply states “War ended with Germany.” This entry predates Hitler’s suicide on April 30 and the Third Reich’s unconditional surrender on May 7. The USS Amesbury served as a destroyer during World War II, playing a role in the invasion of Normandy and defending against German planes attacking offshore ships. The ship was decommissioned in 1946 and eventually sank off the coast of Key West, where it now rests as part of a deep-water artificial reef known as Alexander’s Wreck.
The USS Amesbury spent two months off Key West in 1944, enduring a hurricane during that time. The ship ran aground on its way to being sunk for the artificial reef, leading to its split in two with a 150-yard gap separating the bow and stern. Despite its historical significance, the wreck is less visited by divers compared to other shipwrecks in the area. Lawrence believes the recovered log is not an official ship document but rather someone’s personal observations while serving on the Amesbury. The log was found by Brenda O’Keefe in Massachusetts, who contacted the sanctuary to share her discovery.
The notebook’s origin, the identity of the author, and how it ended up in Massachusetts remain unknown, adding to the mystery surrounding the USS Amesbury and its history. Lawrence has suggested that O’Keefe reach out to naval archives for the preservation of the journal, as the Florida Keys Sanctuary lacks a suitable archive for such historical artifacts. The log provides valuable insights into the experiences of those onboard the USS Amesbury during its active service in World War II, shedding light on the ship’s role in historical events such as the invasion of Normandy and the end of the war with Germany.
The discovery of the log has reignited interest in the USS Amesbury and its historical significance as both a naval destroyer and a sunken shipwreck off the coast of Key West. With the journal in O’Keefe’s possession, further research and investigation may uncover more details about the ship’s past and the individuals who served on board. The insights provided by the log offer a unique perspective on the USS Amesbury’s journey during World War II and its eventual fate as a submerged wreck, now serving as a part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Shipwreck Trail.
