Ships hit by U-boats


Oranjestad

British Steam tanker


We don't have a picture of this vessel at this time.


NameOranjestad
Type:Steam tanker
Tonnage2,396 tons
Completed1927 - Harland & Wolff Ltd, Belfast 
OwnerLago Shipping Co Ltd (Esso), London 
HomeportLondon 
Date of attack16 Feb 1942Nationality:      British
 
FateSunk by U-156 (Werner Hartenstein)
Position12° 25'N, 69° 55'W - Grid EC 9287
Complement25 (15 dead and 10 survivors).
Convoy
RouteMaracaibo, Venezuela - San Nicholas, Aruba 
CargoCrude oil 
History Completed in September 1927 
Notes on event

On 16 Feb 1942, U-156 commenced Operation Neuland with an attack on Aruba in the Caribbean. Around 08.00 hours, the U-boat attacked two tankers lying at anchor in the roads of San Nicholas harbour, hitting Pedernales and Oranjestad. At 08.11 hours, U-156 began to shell the Lago oil refinery at San Nicholas (more details can be found here).
The U-boat then continued towards Oranjestad harbour and at 09.43 hours torpedoed the Arkansas lying at the pier of the Eagle Refinery, after missing with two torpedoes.

The Oranjestad (Master Herbert Morgan) was hit amidships by one G7e torpedo at 08.03 hours, caught fire and sank after about one hour. 15 crew members were lost. The master and nine crew members were rescued by harbour craft.

 
On boardWe have details of 17 people who were on board


If you can help us with any additional information on this vessel then please contact us.

Return to Allied Ships hit by U-boats