West Imboden
American Steam merchant
We don't have a picture of this vessel at this time.
| Name | West Imboden | ||
| Type: | Steam merchant | ||
| Tonnage | 5,751 tons | ||
| Completed | 1919 - Columbia River Shipbuilding Corp, Portland OR | ||
| Owner | Seas Shipping Co Inc, New York | ||
| Homeport | Portland | ||
| Date of attack | 21 Apr 1942 | Nationality:  American | |
| Fate | Sunk by U-752 (Karl-Ernst Schroeter) | ||
| Position | 41° 14'N, 65° 55'W - Grid CB 1677 | ||
| Complement | 35 (0 dead and 35 survivors). | ||
| Convoy | |||
| Route | Durban - Port Elizabeth - Capetown - Trinidad - Boston, Massachusetts | ||
| Cargo | 7357 tons of general cargo | ||
| History | Built for US Maritime Commission, Washington DC, later laid up as part of the reserve fleet. | ||
| Notes on event | At 04.48 hours on 21 April 1942 the unescorted and unarmed West Imboden (Master Anton Anderson) was hit on the starboard side forward of the #1 hold by one of two torpedoes from U-752 about 175 miles east of Nantucket Lightship. The U-boat then surfaced, began shelling the ship and scored two hits before the eight officers and 27 crewmen abandoned ship in two lifeboats. In about two hours, the Germans fired over 35 shells into the ship, setting her on fire and then questioned the survivors, asking if anyone was killed. When the chief mate replied “No”, a German officer replied “That´s good, what ship?” and the U-boat left the area after receiving the answer. The survivors were picked up on 22 April by USS Bristol (DD 453) and landed them at Portland, Maine. | ||
| On board | We have details of 3 people who were on board. | ||
If you can help us with any additional information on this vessel then please contact us.