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Military Action

Attempted scuttling of USS Merrimac to block Santiago Harbor

Lt. Richmond P. Hobson and a volunteer crew deliberately scuttled the collier USS Merrimac at the entrance to Santiago de Cuba in an effort to block the harbor, but the ship failed to seal the channel and the crew were captured by Spanish forces.

Attempted scuttling of USS Merrimac to block Santiago Harbor

The bold but unsuccessful operation was a high-profile attempt to bottle up Admiral Cervera's fleet, affected U.S. naval operations around Santiago, and became a celebrated episode of wartime heroism and controversy.

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