| |
| Gross Tonnage: | 5,719 | Net: | 3,471 |
| Dimensions: | 424' 2" x 56' 2" x 26' 5" | MC Type: | |
| |
| Builder: | Federal Shipbuilding Co.
Kearny, NJ | Hull #
USMC Hull #
Date of Build:
Delivered: | 45
1921
|
| Engines: | 2 Steam Turbines DR Geared to Single Screwed Shaft | Engine Builder: | Federal Shipbuilding Co.
Kearny, NJ |
| Navigation: | GyC | Decks, etc.: | 2 Decks, Fitted for Oil Fuel |
| Began Isthmian Service: | 1921 | Ended Isthmian Service: | 1942 |
----------------------------------- Vessel History ----------------------------------- |
Date | Vessel
# | Vessel
Name | Vessel
Owner | Call Ltrs | Home
Port | Flag |
1921 | 221857 | Steel Navigator | U.S. Steel Products Co.
New York | MDJC | New York | US |
1931 | 221857 | Steel Navigator | July: Isthmian Lines, Inc.
New York | MDJC | New York | US |
1933 | 221857 | Steel Navigator | Isthmian Lines, Inc.
New York | KDWL | New York | US |
Events:
| Disposition Date | Comments |
| 1942 | 10/19 - On October 9th the vessel departed Liverpool, UK for New York in the 36 ship Convoy ON-137, Lars Jorgensen Master, with 2,000 tons sand ballast. On October 17, foggy weather and a fear of collision prompted the Master to drop out of the Convoy. The ship encountered a raging storm for 2 days, causing the sand ballast to shift and give the vessel a 40 degree list. Both the merchant and Navy gun crew shifted the ballast by hand for 2 days, reducing the list to 12 degrees. At 7:30 AM on the 19th, the third mate sighted the U-610 (von Freyberg) 400 yards off the starboard beam. After sounding the general alarm, the Master turned the ship so the submarine lay astern, and the gun crew fired 2 shots before the U-Boat disappeared. At 1:38 PM, position 49.20 N, 32.00 W, SE of Cape Farewell, while steaming at 10.5 knots, a torpedo struck between #1 and #2 holds. The vessel settled by the head and sunk in just 3 minutes. Immediately the Master ordered the 8 officers, 28 crewmen and 16 armed guards to abandon ship. The motor boat immediately swamped in the heavy seas. The #3 boat could not get away before the vessel plunged, capsizing and spilling 35 men into the water, 18 of which climbed onto a raft. The #2 boat cleared the ship and picked several survivors from the water. The crew of the U-610 questioned survivors before leaving the scene. Late that night survivors righted the #3 boat and redistributed, leaving 17 men in #3 and 10 men in #2. The boats remained in the vicinity until daylight as the storm continued, eventually separating. On the 26th, the Destroyer HMS Decoy (H-75) sighted the #3 boat with 16 survivors, 2 officers, 8 crewmen and 6 gun crew, 1 man having expired. The #2 boat was never found. A total of 6 officers, 20 crewmen and 10 armed guards died. |
|
