COORDINATES: 27180.4, 41293.1
The Chilore was a bulk ore carrier on convoy that was
ambushed by the U-576 off Cape Hatteras. The Chilore
was struck twice by torpedoes, but managed to stay afloat. Due to
a navigational error, the vessel, along with others strayed into
the minefield off Ocacroke Inlet. The Chilore was unlucky
enough to strike a mine, but again failed to sink. A few days
later, after temporary repairs, the battered ships of the convoy
limped back to Hampton Roads. Off Cape Henry, just inside the
mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, the Chilore rolled onto her
starboard side. Due to wartime distractions, the wreck was
eventually wire dragged several times.
The wreck covers a very large area, and is usually attended to by
recreational fishermen. A side-scan sonar survey illustrated that
the wreck is beaten down extensively forward of amidships, with
numerous hull plates scattered about. The stern appears intact,
though battered, with its rounded fantail readily visible in the
images.