Ships hit by U-boats


Opalia

British Motor tanker



NameOpalia
Type:Motor tanker
Tonnage6,195 tons
Completed1938 - Nederlandsche Dok Mij NV, Amsterdam 
OwnerAnglo-Saxon Petroleum Co Ltd, London 
HomeportLondon 
Date of attack16 Feb 1942Nationality:      British
 
FateDamaged by U-564 (Reinhard Suhren)
Position37° 38'N, 66° 07'W - Grid CB 4998
Complement58 (0 dead and 58 survivors).
Convoy
RouteCuraƧao - Halifax - Reykjavik, Iceland 
Cargo8000 tons of petrol and paraffin 
History Completed in May 1938

Post-war:
1959 renamed 23 December for the Egyptian Government. 1976 renamed Nawar for M. Nawar. Broken up in 1978. 
Notes on event

From 20.38 to 21.30 hours on 16 February 1942 U-564 fought a gun duel with the unescorted Opalia (Master Percy Douglas Seear) about 300 miles north-northwest of Bermuda. The U-boat eventually broke off the engagement when the last of 83 rounds for the 88mm deck gun were fired. Only three hits had been scored that damaged the tanker only slightly. Three men of 52 crew members and six gunners were injured by splinters.

 
On boardWe have details of 4 people who were on board


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