USS Saratoga Tragedy: A Sailor’s Fateful Night in the Red Sea

/ Miguel Antonio Bigueur

5 Minutes

This is a true story of my time serving aboard the Super Sara.

A Chilling Night in the Red Sea

The evening of December 22nd, 1990, seemed like just another night aboard the USS Saratoga. The colossal aircraft carrier had anchored off the coast of Haifa, Israel earlier that day. The air was filled with anticipation and relief as many of my fellow sailors eagerly disembarked for some much-needed shore leave, yearning for a taste of freedom after the relentless demands of flight operations over the past several nights. The vibrant promise of Haifa’s streets called to them, but exhaustion weighed heavier on my shoulders, and I chose the solace of sleep over the allure of the city.

Little did I know that my decision to remain on the ship would become a pivotal moment in my life, marking the night with an indelible memory of tragedy.

Man Overboard!

At approximately 11:30 PM, I was abruptly wrenched from my slumber by the blaring call of the 1MC loudspeaker, its urgent message slicing through the stillness of the night: “Man Overboard! Man Overboard! All crew and officers muster in the hangar for roll call!” Instinctively, adrenaline surged through my veins, propelling me out of my bunk and into my uniform with swift, practiced motions. As I hurried towards the hangar, the ship buzzed with a palpable tension, a mix of confusion and dread that thickened the air. Overhead, the powerful engines of jets and helicopters roared to life, adding to the mounting sense of urgency. Grabbing my foul weather jacket, I sprinted towards the flight deck, desperate for a vantage point to witness the unfolding crisis.

A Desperate Scene

The night sky was an abyssal black, save for the distant, shimmering lights of Haifa. Against this inky backdrop, Israeli jets streaked across the sky, dropping flares that cast eerie, flickering light over the turbulent waters below. The sea was choppy, its cold, dark waves stretching ominously between us and the shore, about 1.5 miles away. Ferry boats, previously a mundane sight as they shuttled crew members back and forth, now carried a dire significance as the search efforts intensified.

Whispers began to ripple through the assembled crew, each word steeped in growing horror: one of the ferries, laden with returning sailors, had capsized. My heart lurched at the thought of my friends, the ones who had chosen shore leave over rest. The icy sea mist clung to my skin, chilling me to the bone as I stood, helplessly watching the desperate search unfold. The ship’s crew, usually a picture of coordinated efficiency, now moved with a frantic, almost chaotic urgency, their faces etched with fear and determination.

Me in route to the Red Sea somewhere over the Atlantic. – Aug 14th, 1990

A Somber Aftermath

As dawn broke, an eerie silence enveloped the USS Saratoga, a stark contrast to the usual cacophony of clanking metal and bustling activity. This silence was different—heavy, laden with grief and the weight of an unspeakable loss. Making my way back to the flight deck, the sight that greeted me was one of profound sorrow: rows of body bags lay solemnly across the deck, a grim testament to the night’s tragedy. Helicopters hovered overhead, lowering gurneys to retrieve the bodies of the fallen, each movement a somber acknowledgment of the lives lost.

In total, 23 sailors had perished that night—comrades, friends, men with whom I had shared laughter and hardship, men who had fought alongside me. The reality of their absence hit hard, a stark reminder of the thin line between life and death. As the sun rose over the holy lands, casting a pale light on the grieving ship, the USS Saratoga mourned.

Two days before Christmas, in a place revered for its sanctity, we were left to grapple with our sorrow. Those brave souls, taken so abruptly, would never be forgotten. Their memories became a part of us, etched permanently into our hearts and minds. That chilling night in the Red Sea would forever haunt us, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of camaraderie in the face of tragedy.

NAVY Miguel 2
Me at the entrance to Plat “Plane Landing And Takeoff” in 1990.

I have attached a video below, recorded during my time serving aboard the Super Sara. The footage was captured by my shipmate, Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Carlson, the work center supervisor, in the “PLAT” (Plane Landing and Takeoff) work center. We served together for close to 3 years. In the video, you will see some of the equipment we worked on and some of the flight operations that took place during that time period.

I worked in Primary Flight Control, standing directly behind the Air Boss and Mini Boss. My job was to visually identify each approaching aircraft and program the Fresnel Lens system, also known as “The Ball,” which pilots use to adjust their glide slope to an angle of 3.5 degrees. The call signal “Roger Ball” indicates that the aircraft is on the proper glide slope and successfully hooks onto the 3rd wire, resulting in a textbook landing.

Video of a day in the life onboard the “Super Sara” USS Saratoga CV60. – Footage by IC2 Scott Carlson

USS Saratoga (1) – August 14, 1990 – February 2, 1991 – Scott Carlson

Miguel Antonio Bigueur's avatar

The Author is an Information Security and Ariticial intelligence Researcher

Miguel Antonio Bigueur

I am deeply engaged in cutting-edge research that spans multiple domains, including Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), Blockchain security, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in information security. As the adoption of Blockchain and DLT continues to grow, my research is aimed at enhancing the security and resilience of these transformative technologies. My work explores novel approaches to safeguarding Blockchain-based applications and infrastructure, contributing to the advancement of this dynamic field. Bigueur Realty Group Inc. is a company that I started to fill a void missing in the real estate market. I bring over two decades of experience in the real estate industry. My professional services are dedicated to serving the greater Sacramento area, where I offer clients a distinctive and informed perspective. I am deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and ethics in all my professional interactions. My approach ensures that clients receive trustworthy guidance and support throughout their real estate transactions. My commitment to honesty, integrity, and ethical practices underpins my approach to client service and business operations.

Discover more from Decentralized Intelligence

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

37 thoughts on “USS Saratoga Tragedy: A Sailor’s Fateful Night in the Red Sea”

  2. Since last year I had to revisit in my mind the details of the Haifa drowning of our shipmates, and I have never forgotten that day. I was a cook that was assigned to duty at the last minute. I was supposed to have been on that boat too. One of my best friends was among the victims and he had a wife and child, Timothy Seay. We are among a group from Sara that will never forget the shipmates we lost that day..

    My wife is an OIF and OEF Veteran and she kept telling me to talk with the VA and I am working on it.

    Thanks for your service

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. HI Miguel, I just ran across your site while doing some research for my service on board the USS Saratoga CV60. I too was assigned the the V-2 Division in the PLAT/Lens offices, except my tour was back in mid 80s coming out of dry dock in Philly. I am doing a VA Disability claim because I was exposed to PCB from a leaky electrical transformer there in the lounge at the PLAT area and was trying to remember the space number so I am glad I saw it on the plaque above the door in your pic.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Hi Miguel, I came across this site looking for information about my little brother, Timothy Jackson, he died that night on that ferry. I was explaining to my grandson about a uncle he never met. Thank you, for posting this, I search and can’t find no information about what like it don’t exist. He was only 20. Xmas hasn’t been the same since.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Hi Jennie, Sorry for your loss. I’m happy to share my story from that night with you as seen through my eyes. Although I didn’t know Timothy Jackson personally, his US Naval service to this country will never be forgotten. Thank you for posting.

      Like

      Reply

    • I knew Timothy. He was in the same department ( Operations) but different division than me. I was an ET in OE Radar Division. He was in OE but one of the Fire Control divisions. We shared watch standing duties onboard the ship. He was a really quiet guy, but once he started talking, he was funny and you could tell that he enjoyed life.

      Like

      Reply

  5. I was HM3 Thomas Valentine and I was the first medical responder to the aft platform. I and others did what we could to the few bodies that we had on the platform. I wrote a book about my involvement with that incident and how it practically destroyed my life afterwards. My book is called, “SCREAMS OVERBOARD” by Thomas Valentine and its on AMAZON. My goal is to bring awareness to this accident using my platform that I’m bringing. America has forgotten about this incident and I will not let that happen. Look me up on facebook @thomasvalentineauthor

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • I was also on board the Saratoga that horrible night. It has stuck in my head all these years. For most of the years after I wouldn’t talk about it at all.
      Thomas Valentine I ordered your book about a year ago. Although it brought back memories I’ve suppressed for years it was also very therapeutic. Well written Thomas Valentine!

      Like

      Reply

  6. I was there also…..RM2 and had duty that night…..I do remember being in the hanger bay hearing mass casualty alarm…..Sent many messages out that night.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Hi. My name is Rick. I was aboard the ferry when it sunk. It is about to be 30 years now and I still have difficulty talking about the events of that night. I am seeking others who were onboard when it went down. I am also looking for a nurse who treated my injuries and invited me to spend Christmas Eve with her family. I just want to say thank-you. If anyone would like to reach out, please feel free and leave a simple comment to my post below and I will be notified below.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Hi. Did you know Jose Montes from the AIMD shop? He was onboard that ferry and he survived as well. Although I was on the USS Forrestal during that period, Jose was a good friend of mine that I met at NAS Oceana where we were both based.
      – AD2 Joe Monteiro

      Like

      Reply

      • Hi. I was on duty at the Israeli Navy BG who ran most of the rescue operations from Fleet Landing. A very sad and long 60+ hours where we tried so hard to rescue as many people as possible. So many years have past and yet the sights and sounds are still there, like yesterday.

        Like

    • I was onboard the ferry that night as well. I was snoozing on the way back to the shop. My buddy woke me up as it turned midnight to wish me a happy 21st birthday. Moments later we were both in the water. He went one way and I went the other. Hardest part was not knowing what happened to him. I was taken back to the ship after being in the water for almost an hour. Didn’t find out until the next day he was taken to shore. Think about this event every birthday.

      Like

      Reply

  8. I remember the ferry disaster as it happened yesterday. I was the Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) for the ship and the Duty Admin Officer that evening. When the accident happened, I was on the bridge initiating the ships recall – turning the liberty lights on and off continuously to tell everyone ashore that they were all recalled to the ship. Mr. Imbach and myself had to initiate Naval message contact (since we had no internet phone until 3 months later) and notify the Pentagon that we had casualties. We spent the next 72 hours inventorying personal effects, cleaning dress blues for burial, preparing messages on each fellow Sailor, assigning escorts, preparing the remains for transport to Dover AFB to be embalmed, etc. Since Haifa had no morgue, we had no choice but to keep the remains of our fallen shipmates in body bags filled with ice until the transport plane arrived from Germany to fly them and the assigned escorts to Dover AFB before they were transported to their families back in the US. YN2 LeBlanc had those honors and did so with the upmost professionalism and respect for his shipmates. I am forever in his debt.
    Watching the events transpire from the fantail of Saratoga knowing there was nothing we could do – even though it was only 100 yards away was nerve wracking. The ensuing 72 hours of preparing the remains of our fellow shipmates for burial was even worse.
    I distinctly remember DK3 Timothy Seay who we worked with daily, as well as SM2 Delgado who lost is life saving two other Sailors that night and wasn’t able save himself.
    After 72 hours of non-stop work, we were able to get some sleep….while the ship was having a memorial service for our Sailors.
    A month after our loss, I had to compile all of the evidence from the disaster for the Commander, Sixth Fleet investigation. Although the investigation showed no one “at fault”; it was obvious to me what the problem was – I learned the contracted ferry boat had no bilge pumps to remove the water from the boat. It sank immediately after a 3 foot wave hit the boat sideways and we lost 21 of our guys. It should have never happened. Our “Ferry Boat Inspector” wasn’t able to ensure the safety of our crewmen without creating an international incident. He was forced to “sign off
    “ on the ferry boats whether he had reservations or not.
    Five weeks later we were at war and lost five airplanes and several pilots.
    I have never forgot that night in Haifa……

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. I was there too. I was assigned to AIMD/Jet Shop ALL the way aft at the time.

    I had duty that night. It was after taps and I didn’t have a watch that night. I decided I would turn in and started walking forward to the AIMD Berthing when I heard that call.

    I saw the MARDET and Medics starting to run aft and didn’t think too much about it at the time. But all of the commotions caught my attention and I returned aft to the fan tail to try to see what it was all about. It was a MOONLESS night. I started asking around what happened. And I could hear the screams from out of the darkness in the water. A few seconds or minutes later the Israeli jet started to drop high-altitude flares to light up the pitch-black night. And then I could see the shadows in the water.

    I remember it happened days before Christmas. That next morning the water was as flat as glass, and it was a beautiful day out.

    I remember hearing the investigative report of how when they brought the ferry up a few days later they found out that the life jackets were all padlocked to the over head. That shook me to my core. I carry a sharp knife to this day, cause I remember that I did not EVER want to be in that situation where I didn’t have something to cut those over head netting straps to get to the life jackets. EVER

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Hello my name is CARLTON. I was there on the USS SARATOGA . Me and my shipmate was about to get on the ferry that capsized but my shipmate said let’s go back and call our family and get something to eat ashore. Then me and my shipmate got on the other ferry and rode to the back of the ship after they pulled the smaller ferry back from the raft then they started offloading our ferry but before they could finish I heard a splash and looked out the port window and saw people in the water yelling for help and by that time they stopped offloading and started heading to my shipmates once close enough the few of us on the ferry commence to pulling our shipmates on the ferry as fast as we could. We had one shipmate die on the ferry from injury while we were pulling our shipmates out of the water and I knew Delgado a good brother and a good friend who just reinlisted at that time jumped into the water and save a couple shipmates from the sea will be deeply missed my deepest condolences to the Delgado family!!! I had to end it there it hurts still when I talk about it. 1 LOVE ALL

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. All i can say is wow! I was on board that night. I just got back on board, and up to my rack when i heard man over board. A short time later it was announced mass casualties. Of course myself along with my ship mates went down to the hanger bay to help. There was alot of sailors that was brought up from the water that night. I remember one guy they was doing CPR on right next to me. I haven’t really talked to my family about that night. It will be something buried in my memory for life.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • I was there too. I remember that night like it was yesterday. I carry a knife every where I go to this day. I don’t want to ever not be able to cut the life jackets from the overhead and die. NO not like that!

      The investigation found that the Israeli ferry boat that capsized had ALL of the damn life jackets padlocked in the cargo nets overhead. No one who died could get to them. If only they could have cut them with a knife.

      When I found that out it haunted me to this very day in 2023.

      Like

      Reply

  12. Hi shipmates..very sorry that you all went through that while serving on the Saratoga. I served on her from 77 to 81 on the flight deck as the Fuels QA supervisor. I have many memories both good and bad. A good friend of mine drowned in a pond on Mayport Rd just off the base in Mayport Florida.it took 3 days to get JSO to drag the bottom.when they found him he was doubled over and 30 of us from V4 division were there..it was heartbreaking to see.he was getting discharged 2 weeks after that.RIP Raul Lopez I will always remember you.
    Another incident happened on the flight deck when a young sailor 2 months out of basic training was chalking the wheel of an E2 Hawkeye and instead of backing out he walked into the propeller killing him instantly.i was repairing a fuel pump right behind it in the catwalk when I noticed the tone of the propeller change for just a few seconds and when I looked up all his blood and guts covered me.they found his eyeball in a padeye a few minutes later.those 2 incidents are in the back of my head forever.
    I have severe PTSD from those events which I’m being treated for at the VA….I urge all of you to talk to someone at the VA about what you all went through.

    Like

    Reply

  13. My father Samuel Traverso was one of the first to grab a boat and race off to the ferry to save as many lives as he could, many of which were his friends that had asked him if he wanted to go earlier that day. He was awarded a metal for his bravery and actions. He has never forgotten that night or the details of which he seen when trying to save them. There was a magazine article written about this and the actions he took to save many of those who survived. The sad things is that we cannot find this magazine that had the article since it had been lost during a relocation and I was wanting to surprise him with it but I can’t find anything online. If anyone know of this article or can help me please le me know. Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. I was onboard the Saratoga when the incident took place. I was part of AIMD support out of NAS Oceana. A friend and I were going to Midrats and were in the hangar bay when the MOB call came over the 1MC. We both ran to the fantail. We helped deploy the zodiac boats, and then assisted on the camel with casualties and survivors.

    I can remember some of the faces and the level of shock in their eyes. Something that others may remember, there was a CPO on the ferry when it went down, who went under with it, and as it descended, he pulled 2 sailors from the ferry and swam them to the surface. He spent time recovery from damage to his lungs for the length of time he was submerged, and the depth he rode the ferry down. I wish I could remember his name, but it has been so long ago.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to Mike Diaz Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.