Coast Guard honors original USS Monitor

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - A Coast Guard crew honored the original USS Monitor by laying a wreath close to the ship's sinking site near Hatteras, N.C.

According to a news release from the Coast Guard, the ceremony took place aboard the Cutter Diligence, home ported in Wilmington, N.C.

The ceremony honored the 16 men who lost their lives during the Civil War Dec. 31, 1862 in heavy seas while being towed by the USS Rhode Island.

"The Monitor is one of the most significant ships in U.S. history," Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Saunders said. "It revolutionized Naval architecture and warfare. It was honored and revered by both Union and Confederate descendants. The sailors who served on the Monitor displayed legendary bravery, and it is a reminder to all who work on the sea that nature can be ferocious."