Ships hit by U-boats


Athelknight

British Motor tanker



Photo Courtesy of Library of Contemporary History, Stuttgart

NameAthelknight
Type:Motor tanker
Tonnage8,940 tons
Completed1930 - R. Duncan & Co Ltd, Port Glasgow 
OwnerUnited Molasses Co Ltd, London 
HomeportLiverpool 
Date of attack27 May 1942Nationality:      British
 
FateSunk by U-172 (Carl Emmermann)
Position27° 50'N, 46° 00'W - Grid DE 9654
Complement52 (9 dead and 43 survivors).
ConvoyOS-28 (dispersed)
RouteBarry - CuraƧao 
CargoBallast 
History  
Notes on event

At 03.19 hours on 27 May 1942 the Athelknight (Master Hugh Roberts), dispersed from convoy OS-28, was torpedoed and sunk by gunfire by U-172 southeast of Bermuda. Four crew members and five gunners were lost. The master, 39 crew members and three gunners were rescued: the master and 24 survivors after 28 days by the British merchant Empire Austin and landed at Capetown; the second officer and 17 survivors landed on St.Bartholomew Island, Leeward Islands on 23 June, after sailing in a lifeboat for about 1200 miles.

 
On boardWe have details of 13 people who were on board


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