The Honda Point Disaster

On the 8th September 1923, fourteen U.S. Navy ships were heading south from San Francisco Bay to San Diego Bay. The Clemson-class destroyers were running a 24 hour training exercise from Northern California to Southern California.

These ships were the newest and latest ships to be built since The First World War, with the U.S. Navy using this opportunity to showcase their muscle to the rest of the world. The drill, however, did not go as planned.

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Chapters:
0:00 Titles
0:06 Introduction
0:50 Desron 11
2:01 The Great Kanto Earthquake
2:52 Dead Reckoning
5:35 The Honda Point Disaster
13:13 The Inquest
15:00 Outro

DISCLAIMER:
These videos are made for educational purposes only and are compiled using online sources. I tend to stick to the facts rather than speculating any theories in regards to each case, however, if theories are mentioned, they are purely opinion based and are not fact in any way.

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#hondapointdisaster #documentary #animated

[russellst.martin]

It'd be one thing if they were left to the elements, but they had access to the correct navigation and chose to ignore it out of pride. Taking responsibility for something you were responsible for isn't something to be "commended" for IMO.

[ronbork]

Thank you this very informative vudeo.
As a youth I heard about this disaster from my Uncle Rudy who lived in Lompoc California .
Some years later, I read in a newspaper, that while some scuba divers were exploring those wrecked Destroyers, one reportedly found a gold naval academy ring.
The name on it allowed them to return it to it's owner, who of i remember correctly went on to serve in World War II.
He reportedly said that never thought he would ever see that ring again.

[JoshInsuranceAdviser]

This is great!

How is this quality of story-telling and video not hitting the algo? Deserves to be seen by more people.

[welcome_to_the_collapse]

It's amazing that only 23 lives were lost. The seas in this area can be super rough, and a lot colder than in Southern California.

[willo]

Really well made video! I hadn’t heard about this accident.

[MrZachgonz]

I live in the town closest to this accident, the Chauncey is still there and I believe some remnants of the other ships. Unfortunately Honda Point resides on military owned land (Vandenberg Space Force Base) so I can’t visit it.

[sandrafaith]

Don't usually follow these kinds of stories well because I'm not knowledgeable about naval stuff, but man, these animations (and the rewind and replay) really make it compelling for me. Amazing job!

[TRMshadow]

Always love your videos. You're a fantastic storyteller. Hopefully other people start to realize what an amazing hidden gem this channel is.

[kerry]

Having watched another video about this same disaster, yours is far superior in using the animation to properly show exactly how each ship came to blows. The way you rewound and refocused; brilliant. Enthralling to watch and listen to. Wonderful video x

[JEY-cquo]

You did an excellent job of telling a complex story in a comprehensible manner. I hadn’t known this story, and found it fascinating. Great share!

[jaybuffie]

Very good video. Wasn't aware of this story. Very unfortunate. The cinematography is outstanding! Great work! (Edited as my phone put "tired" before cinematography, but I didn't realize it until I got a notification that it was liked)

[originalkitten]

Never knew this. What a fascinating disaster. Superb. 👍🏻

[landtuna]

"Tragedy At Honda" authored by Charles A. Lockwood is an excellent account of this event with many things not covered in this video summary (such as the work of nearby railroad personnel trying to help the sailors). Strongly recommended.

One error in the video - "follow the leader" was, at that time, a formal and approved tactic for navy destroyers, cruisers and battleships.

[sof]

What a sad but interesting story! Thank you for another great vid Spektator!

[anniereddj]

Came here from fascinating horror And I'm very glad I did!! Excellent video and production. Absolutely subbed! Thank you very much!!

[spiffinz]

Phenomenal work!!! Putting things in picture makes you feel like you're there and helps understanding these events

[cadillacjack]

Great video mate really looking forward to the next one. one small criticism would be to highlight the ship your currently talking about in a different colour like red to keep track but otherwise really well paced and great animation.

[lhmoth]

Great video! Thanks for another great video!

One question, though. I always thought "The Graveyard of the Pacific" referred to the area of coastline from northern Oregon and the Columbia Bar to up along Victoria Island in British Columbia? I wonder if it one of those cases where multiple areas have the same nickname.

[FineIChangedItYoutubeDontBeMad]

This channel deserves way more attention than it currently has, these are so high quality and interesting topics. I wish you can get over 1m on a video one day💜

[veggiedisease]

Huell Howser, a prominent California broadcaster, did an episode of his show about this incident in the '90s. He interviewed people who remember dragging sailors out of the water that night.