El Faro

Captain Steers Ship Straight Into a Hurricane

From the channel of Dark Records.

I remember keeping up with the El Faro on the news when all this happened. It was intriguing. It turned out to be bad, real bad.

"The in-depth story of the sinking of the El Faro 2015. The vessel made the headlines when it disappeared on the outskirts of the Bermuda Triangle. The last time anyone heard from those onboard the El Faro was when it headed straight into the heart of Hurricane Joaquin. At dawn, not a single trace remained. The ship had vanished as if it never existed." Source: Dark Records.

The Titanic's Hidden Weakness

📘Sinking of the RMS Titanic ↗

Wikipedia • RMS Titanic sank on 15 April 1912 in the North Atlantic Ocean. The largest ocean liner in service at the time, Titanic was four days into her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City, United States, with an estimated 2,224 people on board when she struck an iceberg at 23:40 on 14 April.

The Titanic's Hidden Weakness | Disaster Documentary

From the channel of Wonder.

Space Shuttle Discovery

Discovery - Author's Picture

The shuttle has no markings on it except for "NASA" and "United States." Google image search identifies it as the space shuttle Discovery. Other than that, I don't know what it is. I believe it to be a loose piece from a Micro Machines collection.

U-boat U17

U-boat U17

"Did you know? In Germany, an old submarine, the U-boat U17, was transported by road to the Technik Museum in Sinsheim, a technology museum! The U17, which is an impressive 48 meters long and 450 tons, was withdrawn from service after 37 years of operations and is now being displayed at the museum. Transporting the submarine was a gigantic operation that lasted 15 months and covered more than 650 kilometers. To ensure it reached its destination, it was necessary to close highways, remove signs, and even use a special 30-axis platform! The total cost of the project was approximately 2 million euros, financed by donations. In 2025, the submarine will be open for viewing, allowing everyone to explore its interior! A real logistics adventure to preserve a piece of history."

Source: Meta

USS Vengeance Unboxing

USS Vengeance Unboxing

USS Vengeance Unboxing. I started turning the boxes backwards so as not to publish my address.

USS Vengeance - Author's Collection

USS Vengeance. I had never heard of this ship before. Check out the following link to learn more.

The Loss of The SS Vestris

Ship Wrecks The Sinking Of The SS Vestris

From the channel of Old Shipping lines.

On the twelfth day of November, 1928, the SS Vestris sank in the Atlantic Ocean. She was overloaded and her hatches were not secured. On the eleventh of November she encountered a storm that was so severe that she began to list (lean) to starboard (right side of the vessel). Over 100 people were lost in the accident. This accident is notable not only because of the death toll, but also because the disaster was photographed by pantryman (a butler) Fred Hanson.

Sinking of The SS Vestris

Image Source: Wikipedia; Public Domain Image.

Ahsoka Tano's T-6 Shuttle Unboxing

T-6 Shuttle Unboxing

This is the second unboxing of 2026. As stated, it's an unboxing of Ahsoka Tano's T-6 Jedi Shuttle. The box was delivered just three days after it was ordered. So, it arrived much more quickly than the estimated time. It was also perfectly packaged. No damage at all, which is always nice. I bought the shuttle from Amazon.

T-6 Unboxed

The T-6 Shuttle was the second Star Wars item that I purchased in January 2026. The box is 12" long and 5.5" deep. It comes with 3 (1-inch micro) figures of Ahsoka Tano, Sabine Wren, and Professor Huyang (with a Removable Backpack). The box is branded with the words "Star Wars Ahsoka."

T-6 With Ruler For Scale

Separately, I have action figures of Sabine Wren, and also Ahsoka Tano. I bought the large shuttle just after the New Year. The box describes itself as containing "Ahsoka Tano's T-6 Shuttle." This image shows a 12" ruler in front of the box. Additionally, I have a Hot Wheels version of the T-6.

The Loss of the SS El Faro

MYSTERY in the BERMUDA TRIANGLE: The El Faro Tragedy

From the channel of Autentic Documentary.

I think I may share/repost several videos about the El Faro, because the accident was such an avoidable tragedy. It should probably be noted here that the sinking of the SS El Faro has little to do with the mysterious Bermuda Triangle. The ship disappeared near the eye of Hurricane Joaquin in the morning on October 1, 2015. I remember hearing about this ship on the news. There's not much that's mysterious about the sinking. Most of the blame was placed on the ship's master. The ship's wreck position is known and it has been surveyed. Its VDR (Voice Data Recorder) was retrieved and studied. A VDR is the maritime version of the "black box" that is found on an airplane. The vessel lies about three miles (4,570 meters) below the Atlantic Ocean. No one survived the disaster.

"The wreckage of El Faro lies at a depth of between 15,318 and 15,482 feet (4,719 to 4,669 meters) in the Atlantic Ocean, about 20 nm northeast of Samana Cay. The primary underwater debris field, which includes the main hull and ship structure, covers an area of about 0.7 square mile (1.8 square kilometers) between latitudes 23.3786N and 23.3936N and longitudes 73.9061W and 73.9172W. Cargo containers, other cargo items, and some ship’s equipment and rails were found outside the primary debris field. Inside the primary field were the remains of El Faro’s port lifeboat; some of its cargo (about 40 containers and 7 vehicles); the main hull and the structures that separated from it, including the mast (with attached VDR), the exhaust stack, the bridge and the deck below it; and a few unidentified items." Source: NTSB.gov Marine Accident Report.

NTSB text source: NTSB.gov (.pdf report).

El Faro on Wikipedia.

Read an account of the sinking on the Statesman Journal.

Read an account of Danielle Randolph's life and career on Maine Maritime Academy. I think this young lady would have been, in the future, a great captain. If the captain had listened to her (and others), this accident might have been avoided.

All who were lost in the disaster.

Borg Cubes

Borg Cubes - Author's Collection

These Borg cubes are pieces of a Micro Machines set. I don't have the original packaging. The Borg, in my opinion, are the ultimate villains of the Star Trek universe.

Ghost Secret Mission Unboxing

Ghost Secret Mission Unboxing

The box in the picture (below) is branded Star Wars Rebels and states that it features "lights + sounds." The actual box (inside the pictured cardboard box above) measures 18" wide x 8" deep and is called "Ghost Secret Mission." It is a large vehicle (15"/38.1 cm.), possibly even larger than the AT-AT I got for Christmas last year. The set includes the Ghost, two Y-Wing Fighters (7.5"), and the Phantom Shuttle (6"). Separately, I own another Phantom Shuttle and Ghost. The Ghost is a VCX-100 light freighter. This collectible set costs about $68, so it's not cheap. I edited my address and personal information out of the image.

Ghost Collectible Set

Ten miniature characters are included in the package. These are Garazeb "Zeb" Orrelios, Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, Sabine Wren, Hera Syndulla, Jon Vander, and Tyson; plus the astromechs R2-BHD, R5, and Chopper (C1-10P). R2-BHD is Jon Vander's astromech. I assume that the R5 unit is to be paired with Tyson. The Tyson and Vander miniatures are wearing flight suits, so they evidently serve as pilots of the Y-Wing Fighters.

Ghost Features

1. Authentic Lights - Sounds. - Light-up Gun Turret Viewport - Light-up Cockpit Viewport - Authentic Start-up sound Effects - Cannon-firing Sound Effects
2. Swiveling Gun Turrets
3. Starfighter Attachment On Sides
4. Phantom Attachment On Back
5. Removable Panel With Fully-Detailed Interior
6. Removable Hatch Reveals Engine Room
7. Retractable Front Ramp
8. Includes 4 Micro Figure Accessories (There are actually 10 figures).
9. Cockpit Sits Up To 6 Micro Figure Accessories
10. Crew Quarters Sleeps Up To 8 Micro Figure Accessories
11. Common Room Seats Up To 4 Micro Figure Accessories
12. Authentic Scale & Detailing. The Ghost even has battle damage added to it.

The Nightmarish Loss of USS Thresher

CRUSH DEPTH: The Nightmarish Loss of USS Thresher

From the channel of Brick Immortar.

"The first of its class and leading the way to sweeping US Navy Submarine build standards change, the USS Thresher (SSN-593) was tragically lost with all hands on April 10, 1963 and is on Eternal Patrol." Source: Brick Immortar.

USS Thresher Memorial

The Loss of The USS Scorpion

The Horrifying USS Scorpion Mystery

From the channel of Big Old Boats.

On May 22nd, 1968, the nuclear powered submarine USS Scorpion (SSN-589) vanished 400 miles southwest of the Azores. What doomed the nuclear powered submarine and the 99 men on board remains a mystery to this day.

The USS Scorpion was lost with all hands in 1968, near the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean. The Scorpion was a nuclear powered submarine. It was later discovered, but the reason for its loss remains unknown.

USS Scorpion - Public Domain Image

See also: USS Scorpion.

See also: The Loss of the Submarine USS Thresher.

The Mandalorian N-1 Starfighter

N-1 Starfighter - Author's Collection

Din Djarin's N-1 starfighter was a ship used by Mandalorian warrior Din Djarin. He came to own this ship after the destruction of his former vessel, the Razor Crest.  The latter had been a military patrol craft, and Djarin lived in and worked from it. It was destroyed by a strike from Moff Gideon's cruiser.

The ship was discovered, restored, and rebuilt by the mechanic Peli Motto, who lived and worked on the planet Tatooine. It was a replacement for the Razor Crest. Djarin, at first, cared little for it, but he came to like the ship after testing its performance. Notably, the dome that housed an area for an astromech droid was removed. It eventually became a space for Din Djarin's friend and ward, Grogu.

The package in the image is 14" wide and 10" tall. It features the starfighter and two action figures, The Mandalorian and Grogu. It also has a Mandalorian jet pack and two projectiles for the ship. I bought this toy myself with some money I got for my birthday. I really like it.

Battleship USS Texas

USS Texas

"The USS Texas (BB-35), the world's oldest surviving warship, is now more majestic, more powerful, and more ready than ever in her new home in Galveston, Texas!"

"After undergoing a historic restoration in a floating drydock, including hull repairs, repainting, and facility updates, the "Big T" is ready to welcome visitors with stories of two world wars, naval innovation, and the unwavering courage of her crew."

"In 2025, USS Texas will be more than just a museum; it will be a living bridge between the past and the future."

Text and Image Source: Meta via Naval History Central.

Female Submariners

How Female Submarine Sailors Eat, Sleep & Survive for 3 Months Underwater

From the channel of Blue Insider.

I've been on the museum ship submarine USS Cavalla in Galveston, Texas. There were a lot of other tourists inside her, and it was cramped. I remember talking to one man about what it must have been like going to sea and working inside of it. In short, we both said we'd have to decline working on a submarine. Not no, but heck no. I can never imagine a scenario where I would willingly volunteer to serve on a submarine.

"Right now, 300 feet below the Pacific, female submariners are eating, sleeping, showering, working, and surviving in a metal tube the size of 3 school buses  for 90 days straight. This video reveals the realities, pressures, modifications, hygiene challenges, cultural shifts, and psychological stress female sailors face serving on U.S. Navy submarines and why they Still have some of the highest retention rates in the entire Navy." Source: Blue Insider.

When The RMS Titanic Was Found

When The RMS Titanic Was Found During a Cold War Spy Mission

RMS Titanic

The RMS Titanic's discovery was related to two lost US Navy submarines:

"In 1985, Robert Ballard publicly claimed he was hunting for Titanic, but the real mission was tracking two lost U.S. nuclear submarines USS Thresher and USS Scorpion. The U.S. Navy wanted to check for radiation leaks and ensure the Soviets hadn’t tampered with them. Ballard’s expedition was funded and approved on the condition that he would first locate and inspect the subs. The Titanic search was just a cover story for the press."

"Once the Navy work was done ahead of schedule, Ballard used the remaining time and equipment to begin his Titanic search. Using what he’d learned from following debris trails at the sub wrecks, he found Titanic on September 1, 1985. The real reason behind the expedition stayed classified for years until Ballard revealed the truth—that Titanic’s discovery was only possible because of a Cold War surveillance job." Source: The Ocean Buff.

The Trio

Image Source, Top: By Francis Godolphin Osbourne Stuart - http://www.uwants.com/viewthread.php?tid=3817223&extra=page%3D1, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=163984148

Image Source, Bottom: Meta via The Ocean Buff.

Submarine Chefs

How Submarine CHEFS Feed 150 Sailors in a TINY Kitchen Underwater

From the channel of Anchor Watch.

Another interesting video about food service aboard a U.S. Navy submarine.

"150 sailors. 90 days underwater. Four meals a day. That's 54,000 meals cooked in a kitchen that's 10 feet by 14 feet. Smaller than most apartment bathrooms." Source: Anchor Watch.

Inside the Navy’s $500M Littoral Combat Ship

Inside the Navy’s $500M Littoral Combat Ship

From the channel of Sam Eckholm.

"Take an exclusive look inside the US Navy's $500 Million Littoral Combat Ship."

I've always wondered about the internal activities of a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The excellent video takes us inside the workings of such a vessel. From working on the bridge to food service, we learn much about the activities inside an LCS.

French Submarine Rubis

French Submarine Rubis

Status: Rubis ("Ruby") was launched in 1931. She was active in World War II. 22 ships sunk. Scuttled in 1958 to be used as a sonar target.

"The wreck of the French submarine Rubis lies between Cavalaire and Saint Tropez about 3 miles from Cap Camarat. She rests perfectly upright on a flat seabed with a clear outline from bow to stern. The hull is mostly intact at about 216 feet long and 23 feet wide. The deck plating has peeled away in many spots which exposes air tanks, pipes, valves, and mine gear. The conning tower stands with its shape complete but the periscope and weapons are gone. Only the compass holder remains. The upper deck has collapsed in places which leaves narrow openings that show engines, piping, and control spaces. The forward flat deck in front of the tower is over 30 feet long and smooth. The main hatch and airlock are open but very tight and unsafe to enter. The stern opening that once allowed divers inside is now blocked. Strong currents are common but visibility is very clear. Marine life is rich with groupers, conger eels, morays, and sometimes sunfish or eagle rays. The wreck has become a famous dive site and was once used as a sonar target by the French Navy."

"She served from 1931 to 1950 as a mine laying submarine and became one of the most successful units of the Free French Naval Forces in World War II. She laid 683 mines and sank 22 enemy ships. After the war she was used as a training submarine and later laid up in Toulon. By 1958 she faced scrapping. On July 31 of that year the French Navy decided to scuttle her in deep enough water to avoid the breakers. Commander Riffaud oversaw the sinking about 3 miles off Cap Camarat. Charges opened her hull and she settled upright on the seabed without rolling. She has remained there ever since as a preserved steel shell with most internal systems still in place."

Wreck of the Rubis

Image Source, Top: By Unknown photographer on a Coastal Command aircraft - Coastal Command, Ministry of Information, 1942, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1577621. Image caption states, "Free French submarine Rubis in grave difficulties in a minefield off Norway."

Image Source, Bottom: Meta via Ships Of The World.

USS Wahoo

USS Wahoo (SS-238)

The USS Wahoo (SS-238) was a submarine named for a fish called the wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri). It was launched in February 1942. She was lost with all hands in October 1943, on her seventh war patrol. In 2005, her wreck was discovered.

USS Wahoo Wreck

"USS Wahoo lies upright in about 213 feet of water in the La Perouse Strait, with her hull still largely intact from bow to stern. The conning tower, deck gun position and hull lines are clearly visible, and the bow shape matches known Gato-class construction. Damage is concentrated near the aft and conning-tower area, consistent with a close air-dropped bomb or depth-charge detonation. Silt covers parts of the casing, and marine growth has spread over the railings, but the submarine remains one of the best-preserved American WWII wrecks found in this region. Because she is a U.S. war grave, the site is protected under the Sunken Military Craft Act and cannot be disturbed or salvaged."

"Wahoo was lost during the seventh war patrol in October 1943 while exiting the La Perouse Strait after an aggressive patrol under Lt. Cmdr. Dudley "Must" Morton. Japanese records show that on October 11 anti-submarine aircraft and surface forces attacked a submarine contact in the strait using bombs and depth-charges. This attack aligns with the timing of Wahoo's planned departure and is considered the most credible cause of her loss. All 79 men aboard were killed. She was declared overdue later that month, and the wreck was finally confirmed in 2006, [Author: some sources say 2005] closing one of the most famous missing-submarine cases of the Pacific War."

You can see more pictures of the Wahoo's wreck at the following link:

USS Wahoo: On Eternal Patrol

Image Source, Top: By U.S. Navy Bureau of Ships photo 19-N-48937, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1776243.

Image Source, Bottom: Meta via Naval Nostalgia.