Case file · Cryptid
The Santa Clara strikes a 'sea serpent'
On 30 December 1947 officers of the Grace Line ship Santa Clara, off North Carolina, said the ship struck an eel-like animal about 45 feet long, which they saw thrashing in a patch of blood-red water.
1947 CE · 34.57, -74.12 · status: account
The account
The sighting was logged and reported to the press when the ship reached port. The officers gave the position as 34°34′N, 74°07′W, well off Cape Lookout.
The sceptical view
A whale or a whale shark struck by the bow has been suggested; no carcass was recovered.