SS Emidio

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SS Emidio was a steam tanker built for the United States Shipping Board during the post-World War I shipbuilding program. It was laid down in 1920 and launched in 1921 as Hammac. In 1923 it was sold to General Petroleum Corporation and renamed Emidio. The tanker mostly carried oil along the West Coast and between West and East coasts, with occasional trips to London in 1924. In 1926–1941 ownership shifted through mergers to Socony-Vacuum Oil Co. The ship continued coastal service, with occasional longer voyages, including trips to Hawaii, the Philippines, Aruba, and Curaçao.

On 20 December 1941, while sailing from Seattle to San Pedro, Emidio was off Cape Mendocino when a Japanese submarine, I-17, attacked. After shelling the tanker, the submarine fired a torpedo. Five crewmen were killed; 31 survivors took to lifeboats and workboats and reached Blunts Reef lightship near Cape Mendocino about sixteen hours later. Emidio stayed afloat long enough to drift up the California coast and finally ran aground off Crescent City in early January 1942. The wreck broke in two; the bow portion remained in the harbor and was scrapped in 1959. The site is California Historical Landmark No. 497. Louis George Finch, an able seaman aboard Emidio, received the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal for his bravery during the sinking.