No. 1 Cargo Hatch

No. 1 Cargo Hatch was the opening for the forwardmost hold aboard the ship. It was highly vulnerable in high seas to taking on water breaking over the bow. The breakwater on the main deck immediately forward of No. 1 Cargo Hatch aided in diverting water away from the hold.

The hatch covers are visible from below by looking up when visiting the Museum in No. 1 and No. 2 Holds. Hatch covers also form part of the ‘tween deck floors to allow access to the deeper cargo holds. You will be standing on them while visiting No. 1 Hold.

All five of the O’Brien’s cargo hatches continue to be in use today to load necessary supplies in the same manner as they were during WWII.