Ships hit by U-boats


Gustaf E. Reuter

Swedish Motor tanker



Photo courtesy of Sjöhistoriska Museet, Stockholm

NameGustaf E. Reuter
Type:Motor tanker
Tonnage6,336 tons
Completed1928 - Eriksbergs Mekaniske Verkstads A/B, Gothenburg 
OwnerRederi-A/B Reut (Hakon A. Reuter), Gothenburg 
HomeportGothenburg 
Date of attack27 Nov 1939Nationality:      Swedish
 
FateSunk by U-48 (Herbert Schultze)
Position59° 38'N, 2° 03'W - Grid AN 1452
Complement34 (1 dead and 33 survivors).
Convoy
RouteSweden - Haugesund, Norway - Curaçao 
CargoBallast 
History Completed in July 1928 
Notes on event

At 00.30 hours on 27 Nov 1939 the unescorted and neutral Gustaf E. Reuter (Master O. Larsson) was hit in the foreship by one torpedo from U-48 14 miles west-northwest from Fair Isle. The U-boat had spotted the illuminated tanker and a destroyer four hours earlier and missed the ship with a first torpedo at 23.32 hours on 26 November. The drifting tanker was found off Sumburgh Head by HMS Kingston Beryl (4.03) that took off eight survivors and transferred them to the tug HMS St. Mellons (W 81) from Kirkwall, which then took the ship in tow by the stern. The next day a gale parted the tow and broke off the bow of Gustaf E. Reuter. The master and 18 crew members were landed at Lerwick by the tug and were joined by 14 survivors who were rescued by the Lerwick lifeboat Lady Jane and Martha Ryland. The stern section had to be scuttled by a British warship, probably HMS Kingston Beryl, on 28 November.

 
On boardWe have details of 2 people who were on board


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