Hatasu
British Steam merchant
Photo courtesy of Library of Contemporary History, Stuttgart
| Name | Hatasu | ||
| Type: | Steam merchant | ||
| Tonnage | 3,198 tons | ||
| Completed | 1921 - J. Blumer & Co Ltd, North Dock, Sunderland | ||
| Owner | Moss Hutchinson Line Ltd, Liverpool | ||
| Homeport | Liverpool | ||
| Date of attack | 2 Oct 1941 | Nationality:  British | |
| Fate | Sunk by U-431 (Wilhelm Dommes) | ||
| Position | 51° 33'N, 41° 35'W - Grid AJ 9863 | ||
| Complement | 47 (40 dead and 7 survivors). | ||
| Convoy | ON-19 (straggler) | ||
| Route | Manchester - New York | ||
| Cargo | Ballast | ||
| History | Completed in November 1921 | ||
| Notes on event | At 23.45 hours on 2 October 1941 the unescorted Hatasu (Master William Johnston Meek), a straggler from convoy ON-19, was hit by one of two torpedoes from U-431 about 540 miles northeast of Cape Race. The ship opened fire with a stern gun and forced the U-boat to dive, but broke in two and sank after being hit by a coup de grâce at 00.28 hours on 3 October. The master, 33 crew members and six gunners were lost. Seven crew members were picked up from a lifeboat after seven days by USS Charles F. Hughes (DD 428) and landed at Reykjavik. | ||
| On board | We have details of 41 people who were on board. | ||
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