S. S. Montebello

On December 23, 1941, the S.S. Montebello was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine off the coast of Cambria, California, sinking the 8,272 ton tanker carrying three million gallons of crude oil that may still be in its holds.

News and Information

• Montebello News Releases(opens in new tab)
• Fact Sheet (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)(opens in new tab)

History

• The Sinking of the Montebello
• Timeline
• S.S. Montebello Technical Specifications
• Avoiding Mass Hysteria - Silenced in History

Photos & Video

• Photos - Slideshow
• Google Earth Map (.kmz file)(opens in new tab)
• Photos - Downloadable(opens in new tab)
• Current Video(opens in new tab)
• Historic Video
• NOAA Video - Chapter 1: Construction History (Quicktime)(opens in new tab)
• NOAA Video - Chapter 2: War (Quicktime)(opens in new tab)
• NOAA Video - Chapter 3: Rediscovery (Quicktime)(opens in new tab)

Additional Links

• NOAA Montebello Page(opens in new tab)
• Environmental Status Report (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Montebello Assessment Contract(opens in new tab)

Contact

David Reinhard, Chief of Preparedness
David.Reinhard@wildlife.ca.gov
(916) 500-8238