Deck Gun of the WWII submarine USS R-12 (Photo: Tim Taylor/RV Tiburon Inc.)
On June 12,1943 in 600 feet of water, the submarine USS R12 sank in 15 seconds in 600 feet of water, taking 42 of her crew with her to the bottom. Recently, a team led by Tim Taylor on the “RV Tiburon” has located and documented the wreck of the submarine.
Missing WWII submarine found with 42 entombed US sailors
She sank nearly 70 years ago taking 42 US servicemen to their deaths off the coast of the Florida Keys, USA. The reason for her loss remains unknown.
R-12 began its career as a World War I era sub that was re-commissioned for service in World War II. At the time of the sinking R-12 was engaged in war time patrol operations near Key West. Only two officers and 3 enlisted men survived the disaster that claimed 42 lives.
In making the discovery, the team deployed a state-of-the-art autonomous underwater robot which collected first ever imagery of the remains of R-12. They are collaborating and sharing their findings with the US Navy.
Rest In Peace, brave men of the R-12. We salute you! Thank you for laying your most precious sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
Thank you missing of Submarine R-12.
Just lay a Memorial Wreath on her and let her and her crew Rest in peace.
Joe-R
I think the submarine should not be entered by divers. If the USN wants to raise the ship and bury the crew that would be another matter, but I do not think that will happen.
As undersea technology at reasonable prices becomes more available war graves at sea will increasingly be vulnerable to desecration.
My father was one of the 42 sailors who died on the R12 & I would Like to thank Tim Taylor for his work. My feelings about entering the sub are mixed but if entering it could provide an answer to why it sunk then I am all for it.
I talked with Tim Taylor and I really want to thank him for his interest in finding the cause of the sinking of the R-12 Sub. I am the daughter of Everett S Krigbaum one of the men lost.
Nephew, of Fredrick P. Graziani 1st Class Gunnersmate lost.
Would like to know about any services planned.
We have over 20 family members here in New Hampshire who would like to travel to Key West , one nephew Fredrick P. Mome Lt. (Ret) is a retired Sub Sailor.
Thanks,
Michael Mone BMC, USCG (Ret)
We are not aware of any memorial services planned. You may wish to contact RV Tiburon, Inc directly. From their website:
RV Tiburon is launching an expedition in the Spring of 2012 to further investigate the possible causes of the sinking, and collect detailed archeological baseline data.
“RV Triburon and her crew are closely coordinating with the Underwater
Archeology branch of the Naval History and Heritage Command who manage
and administer the Sunken Military Craft Act for the US Navy.”
For press Queries please contact:
Christine Dennison
212-744-6763
R12sub@gmail.com
My Uncle Edward F. Zielinski was one of the 5 survivors of the R-12. SS-89. My Mother Phyllis Zielinski Aube is his sister. We are very excited about next years memorial service to honor all who served on the R-12. We will be there as a tribute to all those men aboard. I can be contacted at Greg 1216@comcast.net Thank you Greg
My maternal uncle, TPM3 Curtis V. Mathis was one of the 42 men lost when the R-12 sank. I learned of the May 2011 discovery of the R-12 quite by accident while researching my family history and I googled USS R-12 and saw the news. I have been in touch with Tim Taylor and he is interested in talking to any family survivors who still have memories of their loved ones. He is to be commended for making the discovery and allowing families to have some measure of closure after almost 70 years.
My first cousin, Donald Sullivan was lost with the USS R-12.
His father Edward Sullivan, Sr. was my uncle.
Donald’s brother, Edward Sullivan was also lost in a submarine three months later in September 1943, on the USS Grayling in the Pacific.
Jim Skelton
Hi,
I just recently discovered this website concerning the R12. My Father Robert Burton Bronson gave his life along with 41 other crew members on June 12, 1943. I will convey more info concerning him and the event soon but am short of time right now.
Thank you,
Rita Renée Bronson
Child of Robert Burton Bronson, F2C, USN, who died serving his country for our freedom.
I would like to contact any relative of Joseph C. Hall , one of the men lost in the R 12. My late father and he were neighborhood friends and my father , also a WW2 vet , was very saddened by the loss and mentioned it when talking of the war. they should know that this man’s death was not forgotten.
My Grandfather, Capitain Alberto Gonçalves Rosauro de Almeida, was one of the 2 brazilian officers who died in this incident. He was doing his course of Captitan of submarines in key west, FL. Together with my family we are very grateful for what Christine and Tim are doing for the memory of the ones who gave their lives in the wwII.
Marcos Rosauro
President of the Brazilian Navy League