The Submarine R-12, which sank off Key West in 1943
1823 – Commodore David Porter, on board the U.S. Steamer Sea Gull at Key West, ordered Lieut. T.M. Newell of the schooner Ferret to sail to the south coast of Cuba to protect U.S. shipping interests against pirates. Newell was only to return to Key West when his provisions ran out.
1884 – Key Wester Federico Gil Marrero was arrested for possession of explosives when he arrived from New York on the Mallory steamer. On searching his baggage, federal authorities found a fuse, detonating caps, and books outlining how to manufacture dynamite. The explosives were likely intended for anti-Spanish activity in Cuba.
1924 – The Thompson Fish Company of Key West shipped 10,000 pounds of Keys snapper and grouper to Havana, both of which were much desired in Cuba.
1934 – The Santaella Cigar factory reopened at Key West, with 115 new workers hired.
1938 – An organizing meeting of the Key West chapter of the Izaak Walton League met at the home of J.J. Trevor, with the purpose of receiving a charter. A resolution in favor of the Everglades National Park project was passed.
1942 – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Thetis sank the German submarine U-157, the only U-Boat sunk near South Florida during World War II. The U-157 was sunk 22 miles south of the Marquesas Islands.
1943 – The United States submarine R-12 was underway conducting training off Key West when the forward battery compartment began to flood and the sub sank in about 15 seconds. The submarine took 42 officers and men to a watery grave.
1982 – The cornerstone was laid for the new Marathon Library.
Information compiled by Tom Hambright, Historian Emeritus, and Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian, Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.
Image: The R-12 (Submarine No. 89) was launched in 1918. On June 12, 1943 while conducting training off Key West, she flooded and sank in about 15 seconds with 42 officers and men. Photo from U.S. Naval Institute. Monroe County Public Library, Florida Keys History Center.