SS Flying Enterprises II

[D.J.J. Ring, Jr.]

From R/O Richard Ostrowski, N2NA

Do you remember this one Dave.....

I met the Capt when he was a guest at a gathering at the NJDXA years ago.

Believe he was Capt Kurt Carlsen/W1TGE.

Captain Stay Put Capt. Kurt Carlsen. W2ZXM

https://time.com/archive/6608521/heroes-captain-stay-put/

https://oceanweatherservices.com/blog/2015/12/23/the-story-of-the-flying-enterprise/

https://youtu.be/nUVlP_s6imY?si=wr0swSy6ST1Vwr81

This 1952 black and white tribute film to the Flying Enterprise and Captain (Henrik) Kurt Carlsen, Man Against the Sea, is part of the “The Greatest Drama” series, narrated by radio actor Raymond Edward Johnson. SS Flying Enterprise was a 6,711 ton Type C1-B ship which sank in 1952. She was built in 1944 as SS Cape Kumukaki for the United States Maritime Commission for use in World War II. The ship was sold in 1947 and then operated in scheduled service under the name Flying Enterprise.

The film opens with Captain Carlsen and a 1952 New York City ticker-tape parade. He speaks to the crowd (:37-1:40​). A woman in a bonnet and “The Little Mermaid” statues are shown in 1950s Copenhagen (1:42​-1:57​). A square rigged boat has young male sailors at the wheel. Others climb the masts and turning a wheel to raise the sails (1:58​-2:25​). An overhead shot of an Allied convoy is shown. German U-boat submarine footage shows it breaking the surface, inside the sub, locking on a USA flag, and firing a missile. The newspaper headline is “SS Robin Moor Victim of Nazi U-Boat” followed by headlines for sunken steamships SS Lehigh, SS Sessa, SS Steelfarer, and SS Montana (2:33​-3:01​). The Statue of Liberty is shown, followed by Carlsen in a suit (3:02​). December, 1951, an Atlantic storm has swelling waves against the faintly seen ship. Huge waves splash over the bow [breaking the deck] (3:24​-3:56​). A hand sends out an SOS using Morse code (3:58​). Driving wind and rain spin a street sign (4:00​). 1950s radio antennas broadcast the call for help. Several men wearing headphones relay the message (4:09​-4:21​). Lifeboats rescue passengers, themselves battered by the waves. Carlsen remained aboard (4:22​-4:47​). Survivors leave a Pan American World Airways airplane. A woman passenger is interviewed (4:49​-5:27​). Under the doorbell of his modest home is “Kurt Carlsen, Captain.” His wife and two daughters listen to the 1940s table radio (5:28​-5:45​). The ship lists. Crew of the USS John W. Weeks fires canisters of food (5:46​-6:25​). The tugboat Turmoil approaches through the storm to tow the damaged ship. Another fierce storm hinders the rescue effort. A tug crewman secures the towline [which the storm breaks]. The Flying Enterprise further lists (6:26​-7:32​). A photo of Carlsen is on the table in front of his wife and two daughters. She reads a statement (7:37​-8:05​). The ship nearly on its side, Carlsen and tugboat mate Kenneth Dancy climb the ladder into the tug. They watch as the Flying Enterprise begins to sink. The ocean is full of floating cargo. The men remove their hats as the ship sinks to below the surface. Carlsen waves goodbye to it (8:06​-9:42​). A parade in England celebrates his safe arrival. His parents arrive from Denmark. Carlsen stands in front of multiple microphones. He receives a Lloyd’s Silver Medal for Meritorious Service (9:43​-10:10​). Carlsen and his family arrive in New York City for the ticker tape parade. He receives a key to the City (10:12​-10:44​). President Truman congratulates Carlsen at a black tie dinner. Carlsen speaks to the group (10:45​-11:25​). The Flying Enterprise II is shown at dock. He approaches as a “Carlsen” captain’s flag is raised. He stands with a white rescue ring with the name of the ship on it (11:27​-11:50​).    

 

 

 

 

[Mike Hutchins]

Yes, I recall seeing the FE2 in Italy (pretty sure it was Naples) back in 1954 when the shiup I was then on was docked there.

Certainly seems a long time ago !

73 de Mike, zl1mh.

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