Sailing into the Abyss: A True Story of Extreme Heroism on the High Seas--winner of the 2006 US Maritime Literature Award

• #27 in Best Sailing Books

18 Reviews

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This book caught my eye while browsing, and I do not regret taking the time to read this. Unlike situations like the Titanic, where the arrogance of men put thousands of people in danger, the men on the SS Badger State, a merchant marine ship used by our military to deliver ammo to those fighting the Vietnam War...these men were the victims of the weather and of those who loaded bombs and equipment on this ship. These men more than did their duty, yet all too often these are the very men who are passed over and their families neglected especially when they gave their lives in a war that still brings up mixed feelings. It doesn't matter what we as civilians or as military feel about that war and its consequences. What matters is that these men be recognized for the service they gave our country. It's to easy to dismiss these incidents as 'accidents' or as occurences that should be expected during times of war. These men did not sign up for the military, in fact, many of them had already served their country in the Korean War. These men were trying to make a living for themselves and their families, and continued to serve their country by being in the merchant marines...they did not count on having to carry armaments (and badly loaded ones at that), and deal with an unknown (the sea and the weather).

We still cannot predict weather or what the oceans will do after another fifty years. We just barely are understanding the physics and mechanics of weather such as tornados and hurricanes, let alone back in 1969. I thought it a bit ironic that in the year we were celebrating the achievement of reaching the moon, we were still losing men to the same things down here.

As with the Challenger, other space catastrophes, 9/11, etc. so many lives are lost because of ineptitude, because of sheer carelessness. In the case of the SS Badger State, the ship was loaded badly and inefficiently, yet no where in this book was any blame alloted to anyone. The captain had to sit by and watch more than half his crew drown due to that carelessness, but he held his blame for himself and for 'what ifs'.

Not only were the men on the Badger outstanding for the work they tried to do in not only trying to save their ship but save the ammo loaded on that ship despite having little to work with in a sea that would not stop rolling, but also the Greek ship, Khian Star, went out of their way to rescue as many men as they could, putting at risk their own men for a war they were not involved it. This is simply courage at its best.

I wish more of these stories involving courage, bravery, and integrity could be shared with our youth. They could see that these attributes come in many forms. Our young people need to have people they can look up to--not celebreties who are full of themselves, and who seem incapable of giving back to society. We need more heroes along this line, not people who are self-involved.

Karen SAdler

Very few people are likely to have heard of the loss of the American merchant ship Badger State at Christmas of 1969. She was carrying a load of bombs to resupply the Air Force in Vietnam, and a chain of unfortunate events--poor stowage of the explosives, carrying an insufficient amount of cargo so that the ship rode high, bad weather--combined to lead almost inevitably to tragedy.

Benedetto, in very simple and unadorned prose that is not bogged down by a great deal of nautical jargon, provides a workmanlike rendition of the last days of the ship and crew. He draws heavily upon the documented testimony of survivors before a Board of Inquiry and received very significant input from Charles Wilson, the captain of the late vessel.

He also throws in a great deal of material (which at times verges on simple padding) about the tragic experiences of many other ships of the U.S. Merchant Marine over the last two hundred years, particularly about their destruction by, or, in some cases, escape from, Axis forces in WWII.

A small number of black and white photos are included. The diagrams of the ship and of the bomb pallets would have been better placed at the beginning of the book for easier reference.

This is not a lyrical and haunting masterpiece of man's struggle against the hostility of nature, but it's a serviceable enough rendering of an otherwise forgotten disaster and a nice primer about the sacrifices of the merchant marine.

As a retired Merchant Marine engineer that sailed in ammo ships, I emphathized with the critical situation of the captain and crew. The author presents a factual and experienced reporting of the sinking of the S/S Badger State and the consequences . His inclusion of similar maritime disasters is relevant to understanding the disaster.
Jack B Navarre, Mt Prospect, IL

Loved the book. I really never thought much about the merchant marines and their contribution to our county's freedom. What I loved most about reading this book was how the author intertwined a history lesson with a wonderful story about the couageous men of the Badger. I felt I was with them in their battle against nature's fury and man's inability to outthink the sea. An adventure truly worth the price.

This is truly one of the rare "can't put it down" books I have read! Learn about true heroism on the high seas and the challenges faced by the U. S. Maritime Service. As a U. S. Coast Guard veteran (and retiree), I was fascined by this hair-raising story of the shipment of bombs to a war zone. You'll be holding your breath during many of the thrilling acts of heroism superbly told by a 29-year veteran of the U. S. Coast Guard. As a matter of fact, I was fortunate enough to have shared a duty station for six months with this marvelous story teller ... 52 years ago!

Submitted by Bob Hilgerman, Ph.D.
A retired college professor and a
retired Lt. Commander, U. S. Coast Guard

I recently sailed with a person who was a crewmember on the S.S. Badger State when this tragic incident occurred. Your book brought the story full circle, thanks for writing such an illuminating account.

Paul J. Gunis

Mr. Benedetto has brought history alive with his accounting of the horrific journey of the S.S Badger State. One feels the struggle and dispair of the Captain and crew as the drama unfolds. Sailing into the Abyss is a compelling real life story that would rival any fictional tale.

MR. Benedetto has written a phenomenal book of men who lead courageous, hard working, and very real lives. He has made the craftsmanship of seamen come to life in such a way that you feel you really know these men and understand the work that they must do to serve.

Diane M. Clarke

I loved this tale of ordinary men who at the defining moment of their lives never shirked duty even when that meant attempting to wrestle delinquent, 2,000 pound bombs back into order. Two thumbs up for these men and a really great story.

"Sailing into the Abyss" by William R. Benedetto is to the Merchant fleet what the "Perfect Storm" was to the sword-fishing fleet.

The book gives "arm-chair" sailors like me, uncontrollable shakes and chattering teeth even...with a hot cup of coffee in hand! Benedetto's writing abilities plunges the reader directly into the cold sea next to the unfortunate struggling seaman who has just abandoned his sinking ship.

This is the riveting story of the Merchant vessel "S.S. Badger State" that was taking its deadly cargo of bombs and munitions to Da Nang to help support our troops and the war effort in Vietnam. Shortly before Christmas of 1969, the "S. S. Badger State" runs into two gargantuan storms that seem to converge directly into the men and cargo of the "S.S. Badger State." The bombs break loose in their cargo holds, and then...
you must read the book!

The author is really a superb writer and nautical historian. However, he sometimes gives too many historical examples of similar events to intensify the fate of this particular ship and incident. His examples are extremely interesting but...often too long. These constant historical vignettes only serve to take the readers focus away from the main events at hand. Much of that ancillary information could easily be put into another book on historical ship wrecks.

William Benedetto deserves the highest praises for sharing his expertise and love for those who suffer peril upon the seas.

A truly good book and one that all sailors, past and present should read.

Aye--Aye Captain!

This book is superbly written. The amazing story of the SS Badger State is magnetic, and even more fascinating because it's true! I will recommend this book every chance I get, and I will keep my copy as a prized possession.

As a historian, I am always interested in learning new things about past events. Mr. Benedetto's book, "Sailing into the Abyss," has been one of the most interesting books I have read in a long time. Not having previously read anything about the saga of the S.S. Badger State, I was glued to the pages from beginning to end. The book is a great reminder of how things at sea can go terribly wrong very quickly and serves as a great tribute to the men whose story this represents. Fascinating reading.

Ray Charlton

A wonderful read. I have recommended it to several nautical friends and all agree. Thrilling from start to finish.

I had missgivings about reading Sailing Into The Abyss. I knew the end before starting to read the book. I shouldn't have been concerned. It was excellent! I highly recommend the book!

Over the ages many men of the sea have graced our libraries with worthwhile works of literature and this is no exception. I found this account to be a testimonial of the best of human spirit in the face of adversity. The historical references to the Merchant Marine were well placed, interesting and informative... I highly recommend it to all. With this work, Admiral Benedetto has joined the ranks of great seafaring authors.

This is a fantastic book, one I couldn't put down! Mr Benedetto tells a gripping story of modern day survival at sea, and does it in a way a "landlubber" like me can understand. I've read alot of military history books, and this is definitely one of the best. There are many heroes in this book, and the author does a great job explaining the plight of Captain Wilson and his crew in very human terms. This book reminded me of "Perfect Storm", and will make any dad an excellent Fathers Day present.

Up until now the loss of the "Badger State" was known to just a few: the crew, the families and maritime historians. In this book Mr. Benedetto describes the combination of unfortunate circumstances that converge Christmas of 1969 in the North Pacific, on a voyage carrying explosives destined for the war in Vietnam.

Taken from the perspective of the surviving Captain, it is a compelling story of a group of men who faced the worst both nature and fortune could throw at them. As fiction, the story would be considered exciting; unfortunately, it's true, sending a chill through your spine as you experience the struggle of real men against multiple forces. For those unfamiliar with the Merchant Marine and its storied past, the Author interweaves his account with pertinent maritime history.

"Sailing Into the Abyss" is a fitting tribute to the men who lost their lives in service to their country and their families who still mourn to this day.

This book is spell binding, excellently written and so full of history that it makes you want to reach out for more info.

A true story for our time and one that needs to be shared. If you want to know more about the Coast Guard and what it's like to be at sea, this is the book to read. I'm having trouble putting it down.