One of the worst American Naval disasters, to occur in the Caribbean, happened in Nassau, just 200 yards off Clifton Pier, in May 1954.

On Friday 7th May 1954, at approximately 3:23 am, a two engine Navy Neptune Bomber has just taken off from Windsor Field. It had turned upon takeoff to take a southerly course. On the bomber were 10 Navy personnel belonging to the Patrol Squadron 12 stationed in Brunswick Maine.

At around 3:30 a.m., mere minutes after takeoff, the powerful bomber was still making its rapid ascent, as it passed over Clifton Pier. The plane had only cleared the land area by some 200 yards, when it suddenly plunged into the ocean.

The cause of the crash was not known.

All the investigation would reveal, was that there didn’t appear to be an explosion on board.

All ten men on board the bomber died instantly.

By May 8th, just before sunset, the last four bodies were recovered.

(The Bay Times Sunday 09 May 1954)