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S.S. Steel Traveler


 
Gross Tonnage:7,056Net:4,381
Dimensions:424' 2" x 56' 2" x 26' 5"MC Type:
 
Builder:Federal Shipbuilding Co.
Kearny, NJ
Hull #
USMC Hull #
Date of Build:
Delivered:
68

1922
Engines:2 Steam Turbines DR Geared to Single Screwed ShaftEngine Builder:Federal Shipbuilding Co.
Kearny, NJ
Navigation:GyCDecks, etc.:3 Decks, Fitted for Oil Fuel

Began Isthmian Service:1922Ended Isthmian Service:1942

----------------------------------- Vessel History -----------------------------------
Date
Vessel
#
Vessel
Name
Vessel
Owner
Call Ltrs
Home
Port
Flag
1922
222539
Steel TravelerU.S. Steel Products Co.
New York
MDTF
New YorkUS
1930
222539
Steel TravelerMay: Isthmian Lines, Inc.
New York
MDTF
New YorkUS
1933
222539
Steel TravelerIsthmian Lines, Inc.
New York
KFCI
New YorkUS
1942
 
Steel TravelerUS Army, allocated as Transport
 
 US

Events:
10/27/22: Last vessel out of the Federal yard departs on maiden voyage from New York to Singapore via Philadelphia under the command of Capt. N. G. Turner.

Disposition DateComments
194412/18 - On December 18th the vessel sailed in the 8 ship Convoy ATM-16 from Antwerp Belgium to Downs, England, with a cargo of 1,500 tons ballast, Savilion Huntington Chapman Master. The ships proceeded down the Schelde River in single column. At 5 PM, while steaming 6 knots, in mid-channel, 2 cable lengths east of buoy NF 14, the freighter struck a mine. The explosion occurred under the #3 hold on the starboard side. Immediately the ship broke in half, splitting between the #3 hatch and the fireroom. The ship began to flood and sink rapidly. Most of the 8 officers, 37 crewmen, 26 armed guards and 1 passenger escaped in 2 lifeboats and 2 rafts. Within minutes of the explosion, water had reached the bridge with both the bow and stern in the air. The French Destroyer LA COMBATTANTE rescued all survivors from the boats and rafts, landing them at Birkenhead. One officer and 1 merchant crew member died.

The information on this web site is the kind contribution of our Historian, Skip Lewis, © 2003. Skip, whose dad sailed for Isthmian, is an avid collector and researcher of everything Isthmian and States Marine. In his quest, he has used many sources and publications including Lloyd's of London and Imperial Steel by John Atherton.

If you have any questions about, or information for, this website, please contact us.

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