Benzonia and Caribou

3D Model

Benzonia was built as part of the WWI shipbuilding effort to provide cargo vessels quickly for the United States Shipping Board (USSB) , but ultimately was never fully utilized to this end. Although not highlighted for the work it accomplished, Benzonia is now an excellent example of the unpredictable and awesome force of nature. In 2003, the remains of Benzonia were lifted on top of another USSB wreck, Caribou, during hurricane Isabel. Overtime, vessels have shifted from their original positions of 1929, due to seasonal current changes and weather patterns, but the Benzonia wreck may be the most striking among the Ghost Fleet. The wrecks reside within the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. Model by Ian Dunshee/NOAA.