Introduction
The Bermuda Triangle has long been a source of fascination and fear, with its treacherous waters swallowing ships and planes over decades. Recently, shipwreck hunters Mike Barnett and Jimmy Gamsky unearthed a long-buried mystery off the coast of Florida, near this enigmatic region. What they discovered was a wreck linked to the USS Saratoga, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier plagued by misfortune in July 1960. Their findings not only unravel part of the Bermuda Triangle’s lore but also honor the memory of Navy Commander Charles T. FR and his crew.
A Tale of Tragedy and Loss
The USS Saratoga was conducting routine operations when disaster struck twice in just three days. On July 26, 1960, a U.S. Navy strategic bomber, the A3 Sky Warrior, crashed into the waves just a mile from the carrier’s flight deck. The crash claimed the lives of its pilot, William Ancer, and his two crew members. Three days later, another A3 Sky Warrior, piloted by Commander Charles T. FR, met a similarly tragic fate. While attempting to land, the plane struck the flight deck briefly before veering over the side, killing FR and two others.
These twin tragedies haunted the Saratoga and were compounded by the fact that the wrecks were lost in the deep waters of the Atlantic, deemed unsalvageable and left to the mercy of time.
Discovery of Chang’s Wreck
Fast forward to the present, where whispers of a mysterious underwater site, known locally as “Chang’s Wreck,” drew the attention of Mike Barnett and Jimmy Gamsky. Located 57 nautical miles off Florida’s coast, the site lay just north of the Bermuda Triangle. Initial dives revealed a plane wreck at 240 feet below the surface, giving the team only 25 minutes to investigate before resurfacing.
Their first dive brought forth fragments of the wreck: a wing, an engine mount, and a cockpit, separated from the rest of the plane. However, the absence of human remains and other identifying features left the team yearning for more answers. Reviewing their footage with military historian David O’Keefe and pilot Jason Harris, they concluded the wreck was an A3 Sky Warrior, one of the two lost from the Saratoga.
Unearthing a Story
The search for answers led the team to Phil Wilcoxson, a witness who served on the USS Saratoga during the 1960 accidents. Wilcoxson recently came into possession of archival film footage capturing the crash of Commander FR’s plane. The footage provided chilling details, showing FR’s desperate attempts to regain control as his aircraft struggled to maintain speed after its tail hook briefly caught the carrier’s arrestor cables.
The video confirmed the harrowing sequence of events: the plane’s wing tipped, its nose plunged, and the jet vanished into the ocean. A white helmet—likely from one of the crew members attempting to escape—could be seen in the footage. These details painted a vivid picture of the crew’s final moments.
The Final Dive
Determined to confirm the identity of the wreck, Mike and Jimmy embarked on another dive. This time, they uncovered more telling features: partially retracted landing gear, distinctive port windows, and a tattered parachute drifting in the current. The parachute, a remnant of the failed rescue attempt, became a poignant symbol of the tragedy.
With these findings, the team definitively identified the wreck as Commander Charles T. FR’s A3 Sky Warrior. This discovery brought a mix of sorrow and closure, marking the final resting place of a brave Navy officer and his crew.
A Legacy Remembered
In Jacksonville, Mike and Jason shared their findings with Commander FR’s sons. Viewing the dive footage, the family saw the remnants of their father’s plane—the cockpit, the fuselage, and the parachute material draped across the wreckage. It was an emotional moment, filled with both pride and sorrow.
The sons reflected on their father’s heroism and legacy. One son expressed regret over never having flown with his father or shared certain life experiences. Yet, the discovery served as a powerful reminder of FR’s bravery and dedication, preserving his memory for future generations.”
Bermuda Triangle Mysteries Endure
While the discovery of Commander FR’s plane provides answers to one chapter of the Bermuda Triangle’s enigmatic history, countless questions remain. The region’s reputation as a graveyard for ships and planes continues to intrigue and mystify.
For Mike and Jimmy, this dive was more than just solving a mystery; it was about giving meaning to their work and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. As they left the site, they carried with them a sense of fulfillment and a deeper appreciation for the stories hidden beneath the ocean’s depths.
Conclusion
The discovery of Commander Charles T. FR’s A3 Sky Warrior in the Bermuda Triangle is a testament to the resilience of human curiosity and the enduring quest for closure. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and the indelible marks they leave behind. As the Bermuda Triangle continues to guard its secrets, stories like these ensure that the memory of those lost is never forgotten.
