South Bay Wreck

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In the southern part of the bay, halfway between Redwood City and Fremont, lies the South Bay Wreck. The USS Thompson, she was intentionally grounded in here in 1944, and has now largely disintegrated, but elements of her superstructure are still visible, expecially at low tide. I normally give the wreck site itself a wide berth, but have anchored out nearby - normally in winter/spring, when there are light winds in the evening. The wreck itself also makes for an interesting kayak/canoe trip

South Bay Wreck Acchorage

Launched in 1920, the USS Thompson never saw action, and was decommissioned in 1930, and sold off for scrap. The boat served as a floating restaurant in San Francisco until in 1944 she was repurchased by the US Navy, and sunk to be used for target practice. Legend has it that intrepid kayakers paddled out between bombing runs to strip her of the teak decks, and any other valuables.

USS Thompson, c 1920USS Thompson



USS Thompson, c 2020South Bay Wreck