Talk:SS John P. Gaines/@comment-68.186.182.192-20160214212542

The SS John P Gaines sank due to improper ballasting. THAT was determined by a broad of inquiry two years later. Faulty welds were NOT the cause of the ship breaking in two and sinking.

The forward and aft holds were filled with sea water, the middle hold was left empty. The action of the swells going up and down had the ship bending in the middle. That action working the metal back and forth broke the ship at the number three hold.

Just adding my two cents. John Gaines