Who was the captain of the USS Maine during its explosion in Havana Harbor?

Captain Charles D. Sigsbee was commanding officer of the USS Maine when it exploded in Havana Harbor. Sigsbee had taken command of the ship in 1897, and he was aboard on the night of February 15, 1898, when the disaster destroyed the forward part of the vessel.

The Maine had arrived in Havana on January 25 to protect American interests during Cuba's revolt against Spanish rule. At about 9:40 p.m., a massive explosion killed more than 260 crew members and sank the ship. Sigsbee survived and quickly reported the catastrophe to Washington, urging that public judgment be suspended until the cause was known.

Early investigations blamed an external mine, helping inflame American public opinion under the slogan “Remember the Maine.” Later investigations and modern historical analysis have questioned that conclusion, with an internal ammunition or coal-related accident considered more plausible by many experts. That debate does not change Sigsbee's identity as the Maine's captain.