USS LST 349 (Landing Ship, Tank) founders on rocks at Isle of Ponza, Italy in World War II. Many U.S. sailors on solid ground attempt to hold the vessel steady with lines, to enable rescue of persons on board. Strong and powerful waves make rescue difficult. Among those aboard are German prisoners of war who are helped from the LST to the rocks on shore. Men in lift raft, are in danger of being crushed between the ship's hull and the rocks. Men seen on low rocks, and one is swept back into the sea by a wave. In final scenes, only the top mast of the sunken ship is visible above the water.
View from rocks above as the USS LST -349, is seen being pounded by wind and wave against rocks off Ponza, Italy during World War 2. German prisoners of war are huddled together on her deck as American crew members work to rescue them. Prisoners are seen being assisted as they climb up the steep rocks from the ship. Some are ferried off in inflated rafts. Narrator says: “The ship begins to break in two, with some crew and 20 prisoners still aboard.” View of ship going down as those on the rocks struggle and rescue efforts continue. Narrator states: “The waves swept two Americans and six German prisoners off the cliffs to their deaths. In all, 14 died, 4 Americans, one British officer, and 9 German prisoners.” In the final scene, the ship has sunk out of sight and all survivors (unseen) have moved inland.