Ships hit by U-boats


Keramiai

Greek Steam merchant



Photo courtesy of Library of Contemporary History, Stuttgart

NameKeramiai
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage5,085 tons
Completed1917 - Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson Ltd, Wallsend, Sunderland 
OwnerCephalonian Maritime Co Ltd (N.D. Lykiardopulo), Argostoli 
HomeportArgostoli 
Date of attack30 Jan 1940Nationality:      Greek
 
FateSunk by U-55 (Werner Heidel)
Position48° 37'N, 7° 46'W - Grid BF 19
Complement29 (1 dead and 28 survivors).
ConvoyOA-80G
RouteLondon - Ciudad Trujillo 
CargoBallast 
History Completed in October 1917 as British War Rose for The Shipping Controller, managed by Hall Bros, London. 1919 sold to Belgium and renamed Gallier for Lloyd Royal Belge, Antwerp. 1930 transferred to Compagnie Maritime Belge, Antwerp. 1933 sold to France and renamed Baltique for Compagnie Baltique-Ocean-Mediterranee, Le Havre. 1934 sold to Greece and renamed Keramiai for P.N. & G.N. Lykiardopulo, Argostoli. 1937 transferred to Cephalonian Maritime Co Ltd (N.D. Lykiardopulo), Argostoli. 
Notes on event

At 07.00 and 11.05 hours on 30 January 1940, U-55 attacked convoy OA-80G (later designated OG-16) and sank Vaclite in the first and Keramiai in the second attack. The U-boat was herself sunk by the escorts after the second attack.

The master of Keramiai (Master Spyridon Panagi Katevatis) was lost. 28 survivors were picked up by HMS Fowey (L 15) (Cdr H.B. Ellison, RN) and the British motor tanker British Unity.

 
On boardWe have details of 1 people who were on board


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