Ships hit by U-boats


Suwied

American Steam merchant



Photo courtesy of Mariners Museum, Newport News VA

NameSuwied
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage3,249 tons
Completed1919 - Submarine Boat Corp, Newark NJ 
OwnerHedger SS Co, New York 
HomeportNew York 
Date of attack8 Jun 1942Nationality:      American
 
FateSunk by U-107 (Harald Gelhaus)
Position20° 00'N, 84° 48'W - Grid DL 9635
Complement33 (6 dead and 27 survivors).
Convoy
RouteGeorgetown, British Guiana - Kingston, Jamaica - Mobile 
Cargo4970 tons of bauxite ore 
History Ordered as Yukpa, laid down as Sterling Steel Bridge, completed in February 1920 as Suwied for US Shipping Board (USSB). 
Notes on event

At 01.19 hours on 8 June 1942 the unescorted and unarmed Suwied (Master Bernard Roosevelt Davis) was hit by a G7a torpedo from U-107 while steaming on a non-evasive course at 9 knots about 140 miles southeast of Cozumel Island off the Yucatan Peninsular. The torpedo hit on the port side aft of the engine room, killed two men on watch below and caused the ship to sink within 3 minutes. So fast that no distress signal could be sent and the eight officers, 24 crewmen and one passenger had to abandon ship immediately in one lifeboat and a raft. One officer and five crewmen were lost. The master, six officers, 19 crewmen and one passenger were picked up by USCGC Nemesis (WPC 111) after 19 hours in 20°05N/84°48W after being directed to them by an US Navy aircraft.

 
On boardWe have details of 7 people who were on board


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