SS Mielero

Mielero was a steam tanker built in 1916–1917 by Fore River Shipbuilding Company for the Cuba Distilling Company of New York. It was designed to carry both molasses and petroleum, with a capacity of 2,342,500 gallons for main tanks and 382,000 gallons for double-bottom tanks. The ship measured 389 feet long, 54 feet wide, and had a steel hull with a single screw propeller powered by a steam turbine, achieving speeds up to 10.5 knots. It was equipped with wireless communication, a submarine signal system, and electrical lighting.

Mielero began service in February 1917, initially transporting molasses between Cuba and Baltimore, later expanding to ports like Boston, Philadelphia, and New Orleans. On its final voyage, departing Baltimore on January 14, 1920, it carried a crew of 36, the captain’s family, and 1,600,000 gallons of molasses. Encountering a gale off Florida and Georgia, the ship developed a list on January 26, leading to an order to abandon ship. Two lifeboats were launched, one rescued by SS Ozette and transferred to SS Sucrosa, arriving safely in Baltimore. The second lifeboat was never found, resulting in 22 fatalities.