William J. Salman
American Steam merchant
Photo courtesy of SSHSA Collection, University of Baltimore Library
| Name | William J. Salman | ||
| Type: | Steam merchant | ||
| Tonnage | 2,616 tons | ||
| Completed | 1919 - American Shipbuilding Co, Lorain OH | ||
| Owner | Canadian Gulf Lines Inc, Houston TX | ||
| Homeport | Houston | ||
| Date of attack | 18 May 1942 | Nationality:  American | |
| Fate | Sunk by U-125 (Ulrich Folkers) | ||
| Position | 20° 08'N, 83° 46'W - Grid DM 7466 | ||
| Complement | 28 (6 dead and 22 survivors). | ||
| Convoy | |||
| Route | New Orleans - Antigua | ||
| Cargo | 2730 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 board | We have details of 6 people who were on board. | ||
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