Ships hit by U-boats


William J. Salman

American Steam merchant



Photo courtesy of SSHSA Collection, University of Baltimore Library

NameWilliam J. Salman
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage2,616 tons
Completed1919 - American Shipbuilding Co, Lorain OH 
OwnerCanadian Gulf Lines Inc, Houston TX 
HomeportHouston 
Date of attack18 May 1942Nationality:      American
 
FateSunk by U-125 (Ulrich Folkers)
Position20° 08'N, 83° 46'W - Grid DM 7466
Complement28 (6 dead and 22 survivors).
Convoy
RouteNew Orleans - Antigua 
Cargo2730 tons of building material 
History Completed in November 1919 as Lake Felden for US Shipping Board (USSB). 1924 renamed Elizabeth River for Philadelphia & Norfolk SS Co, Wilmington DE. 1939 reduced to barge, but 1940 rebuilt and renamed William J. Salman for Canadian Gulf Lines Inc, Houston TX. 
Notes on event

At 21.50 hours on 18 May 1942 the unescorted and unarmed William J. Salman (Master Charles D. Bryant) was hit on the starboard side aft by the last torpedo from U-125 about 125 miles south of Cape Frances, Cuba. The torpedo struck in #3 hold and broke the ship in two, causing her to sink by the stern within two minutes. The eight officers and 20 crewmen were not able to launch a lifeboat, so they had to jump overboard and clung to two overturned boats that floated free. The master, one officer and four crewmen were lost. The survivors later righted the boats and set sail for the Cuban coast. They were picked up after 20 hours by the Latvian steam merchant Kegums and landed at Key West, Florida.

 
On boardWe have details of 6 people who were on board


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