Two 'Ghost Fleet' Ships Begin Journey
by Newport News, The Daily Press
6 October 2003 – Two 1945 ships that are part of the "Ghost Fleet" are scheduled to be towed from the James River today, beginning a journey that will end with them becoming part of a scrapyard in England.
The Canisteo and the Caloosahatchee, which worked together in the Atlantic Fleet before joining about 100 other rusty hulks anchored off Fort Eustis, are two of four ships deemed seaworthy for the 4,500-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean.
They are expected to leave about two hours apart beginning at about 7 a.m.
Last week, a federal judge blocked the government from moving nine of 13 ships slated to be taken to England and scrapped, saying the U.S. Maritime Administration had not done environmental studies as required by law.
The ships are viewed by many as potential environmental catastrophes because they contain tons of toxic chemicals and fuel.
The 553-foot-long Canisteo had a crew of approximately 211 men and 13 officers. It could carry more than 4 million gallons of standard fuel oil, 715,000 gallons of jet fuel and 300,000 gallons of aviation gasoline.
It also carried mail to other vessels.
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