USS Sachem (SP-192): ‘The Ghost Ship’ Left Abandoned in a Creek After Serving in Both World Wars

Clare Fitzgerald
Photo Credit: U.S. Navy / Naval History and Heritage Command / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain (Colorized by Palette.fm)
Photo Credit: U.S. Navy / Naval History and Heritage Command / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain (Colorized by Palette.fm)

Several abandoned ships can be found across the United States, but few possess a history as rich as the USS Sachem (SP-192). Known by various names, including the USS Phenakite (PYc-25), Celt, Sightseer, Circle Line V and, currently, The Ghost Ship, this early 1900s yacht has a unique legacy.

Twice acquired by the US Navy for service during World War I and II, she was transformed from a luxury vessel into one that served her country during times of conflict.

Laid down in 1901

Celt moored in a harbor
Celt, just prior to the United States entering World War I, 1917. (Photo Credit: U.S. Navy / Naval History and Heritage Command / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

The USS Sachem‘s story begins in 1901, when railroad engineer J. Rogers Maxwell commissioned the vessel. Built by Pusey and Jones in Wilmington, Delaware, she was launched in April 1902 under the name Celt and transited waterways as a luxury steam yacht until the United States entered World War I.

Acquired by the US Navy

USS Sachem (SP-192) at sea
USS Sachem (SP-192), 1917. (Photo Credit: National Park Service)

With the outbreak of the conflict, the US Navy sought civilian ships for coastal defense, as the German forces were attacking supply lines between America and Europe. Celt was among those acquired for service and was renamed the USS Sachem.

Modifying the USS Sachem (SP-192) for naval service

Three sailors manning an Ordnance QF Hotchkiss six-pounder deck gun
Ordnance QF Hotchkiss six-pounder deck gun aboard a vessel, 1916. (Photo Credit: Bain News Service / Library of Congress’ Prints and Photographs Division / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

The USS Sachem underwent significant modifications to enhance her seaworthiness, including the raising of her sides, removing her masts, sealing her ornate brass fixtures, adding navigational equipment and fitting fringing around the portholes. To prepare her for the possibility of combat in the Atlantic Ocean, she was also armed with:

  •  Depth charge racks
  •  One Ordnance QF Hotchkiss six-pounder deck gun
  • Two QF three-pounder Hotchkiss deck guns
  • Two light machine guns

Commandeered by Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison standing with the crew of the USS Sachem (SP-192)
Thomas Edison with the USS Sachem‘s (SP-192) crew, 1917. (Photo Credit: National Park Service)

During the early part of her naval service, the USS Sachem operated with the Third Maritime District, patroling the US East Coast and the Caribbean. In 1917, she was turned into a “floating laboratory” by Thomas Edison, who conducted experiments to develop effective countermeasures to the German U-boat threat.

USS Sachem (SP-192) didn’t see active combat

Celt leaving port
Celt, later known as the USS Sachem (SP-192) and Phenakite (PYc-25), date unknown. (Photo Credit: Bain News Service / George Bain Collection at the Library of Congress / No Known Restrictions)

By the end of the First World War, the USS Sachem hadn’t engaged in active combat, nor had her crew reported any confirmed enemy U-boat sightings. Despite this, the yacht was awarded the World War I Victory Medal for her service during the conflict.

Rum running during Prohibition

Men pouring alcohol into a street drain while police officials watch
New York City at the start of Prohibition in America, 1921. (Photo Credit: Universal History Archive / Universal Images Group / Getty Images)

After World War I, the USS Sachem was returned to Manton B. Metcalf, who’d purchased the yacht from J. Rogers Maxwell’s widow soon after his passing. Later, the vessel was sold to Philadelphia banker Roland L. Taylor, who used it as a rum runner during Prohibition.

Making money during the Great Depression

Jacob Martin aiming a rifle while standing on the deck of a ship
Capt. Jacob Martin, 1925. (Photo Credit: Keystone View Company / FPG / Archive Photos / Getty Images)

In 1932, during the early years of the Great Depression, Taylor sold the USS Sachem to Jacob Martin of Brooklyn, New York. To ensure he’d make a profit during the era’s economic downturn, he operated the yacht with dual purposes – as a deep-sea fishing vessel and as a luxury passenger ship.

Once again acquired by the US Navy

USS Shaw (DD-373) exploding at Pearl Harbor
USS Shaw (DD-373) exploding during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, 1941. (Photo Credit: Keystone / Hulton Archive / Getty Images)

After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the US Navy, once again, needed civilian vessels to help bolster America’s defense. In February 1942, the service reacquired the USS Sachem for $65,000, sending her to Robert Jacobs, Inc. in City Island, New York, for modifications.

A host of upgrades for the now-USS Phenakite (PYc-25)

USS Sachem (SP-192) beached at the end of Taylor Creek
USS Sachem (SP-192) beached in Taylor Creek, 2014. (Photo Credit: Kylen Louanne / Flickr CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The upgrades received included new equipment; enhancements to speed, armor and visibility; and a new gray haze paint scheme. Renamed the USS Phenakite, the vessel was also armed with:

Patroling the East Coast of the United States

Celt docked at port
Celt, date unknown. (Photo Credit: Bain News Service / George Grantham Bain Collection / Library of Congress’ Prints and Photographs Division / No Known Restrictions)

Under the command of Lt. John D. Lennon, the USS Phenakite patrolled the East Coast. In late 1944, she underwent additional modifications to expand her roles to convoy escort and sonar system testing, as part of the Fleet Sonar School Squadron and the Key West Squadron.

Striking the USS Phenakite (PYc-25) from the Naval Register

World War II Victory Medal against a red backdrop
World War II Victory Medal. (Photo Credit: Jonathunder / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

While the yacht didn’t see active combat, her crew was awarded both the World War II Victory Medal and the American Campaign Medal. After World War II, the USS Phenakite was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Register.

Serving as a tour boat in New York City

USS Sachem (SP-192) beached at the end of Taylor Creek
USS Sachem (SP-192) beached in Taylor Creek, 2014. (Photo Credit: Kylen Louanne / Flickr CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0)

After World War II, Jacob Martin repurchased the USS Phenakite from the US Navy for $5,353. The yacht was then sold to the Circle Line in New York City, where she operated as a tour boat under the name Circle Line V until 1983.

Making a cameo in a Madonna music video

Passengers lined up to board the Sightseer touring yacht
USS Sachem (SP-192) when she was known as the Sighteer, a tour boat in New York City, 1950s. (Photo Credit: Charles Phelps Cushing / ClassicStock / Getty Images)

In 1986, Robert Miller from Cincinnati, Ohio, bought the yacht for $7,500. During the July 4 long weekend, the vessel made a cameo in Madonna‘s “Papa Don’t Preach” music video.

Following the festivities, Miller sailed her to his home on the OhioKentucky border and moored the ship at the mouth of Taylor Creek in Boone County, Kentucky, where she’s remained ever since.

Left abandoned in Taylor Creek

USS Sachem (SP-192) beached at the end of Taylor Creek
USS Sachem (SP-192) beached in Taylor Creek, 2014. (Photo Credit: Kylen Louanne / Flickr CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Unable to afford the upkeep, Miller left the yacht to deteriorate in the water. While situated on private property, the rusting piece of naval history has become a popular attraction for both kayakers and canoeists navigating Taylor Creek. Due to her dilapidated condition, she has since earned the nickname, “The Ghost Ship.”