Ships hit by U-boats


Azalea City

American Steam merchant



Photo courtesy of the Mariners Museum, Newport News VA

NameAzalea City
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage5,529 tons
Completed1920 - Merchant Shipbuilding Corp, Harriman PA 
OwnerWaterman Steamship Co, Mobile AL 
HomeportMobile 
Date of attack21 Feb 1942Nationality:      American
 
FateSunk by U-432 (Heinz-Otto Schultze)
Position38° 00'N, 73° 00'W - Grid CA 5867
Complement38 (38 dead - no survivors)
Convoy
RouteBahia Blanca, Argentina - Port of Spain (12 Feb) - Philadelphia 
Cargo7806 tons of linseed 
History Completed in June 1920 as Waterbury for US Shipping Board (USSB). 1929 renamed Excelsior for American Export Lines Inc, New York. 1937 renamed Azalea City for Waterman Steamship Co, Mobile AL. 
Notes on event

On 12 Feb 1942 the unarmed Azalea City (Master George Robert Self) left Port of Spain, Trinidad for Philadelphia unescorted and was reported missing after 16 February.
On 21 February, U-432 spotted a steamer of 5000 grt in heavy seas about 125 miles east-southeast of Ocean City, Maryland. A first torpedo missed and the U-boat then crossed behind the steamer to the port side. At 01.23 hours a second torpedo was fired at 800 meters, which hit the freighter amidships. At 02.42 hours a third torpedo struck forward of the bridge. It is assumed that this ship was the Azalea City and that the nature of the cargo caused the ship to capsize after the torpedo hits. None of the eight officers and 30 men on board survived.

 
On boardWe have details of 38 people who were on board


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