The bow of the U.S. Navy destroyer USS <i>Ernest G. Small</i> (DD-838) floats away before sinking. It was damaged when <i>Ernest G. Small</i> hit a mine off North Korea on 7 October 1951, and broke off in heavy seas four days later. Note that the ship's forward 5"/38 twin gun mount is still in place on the sinking bow.
Photographed from the port side superstructure by Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Albert Ristan, USN(SC), the ship's Supply Officer at the time.
Official U.S. Navy photo <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/g700000/g708458c.htm">80-G-708458</a> from the U.S. Navy <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.history.navy.mil">Naval History and Heritage Command</a>