Ships hit by U-boats


Empire Commerce

British Motor tanker


We don't have a picture of this vessel at this time.


NameEmpire Commerce
Type:Motor tanker
Tonnage3,722 tons
Completed1943 - Sir James Laing & Sons Ltd, Sunderland 
OwnerHadley Shipping Co Ltd, London 
HomeportSunderland 
Date of attack1 Oct 1943Nationality:      British
 
FateA total loss by U-410 (Horst-Arno Fenski)
Position37° 19'N, 6° 40'E - Grid CJ 7718
Complement51 (0 dead and 51 survivors).
ConvoyMKS-26
RouteBona (30 Sep) - Algiers 
CargoBallast 
History Completed in April 1943 for Ministry of War Transport (MoWT) 
Notes on event

Between 00.00 and 00.03 hours on 1 Oct 1943, U-410 fired five single torpedoes at convoy MKS-26 east of Bougie, heard five detonations and observed one ship sinking. The resulting report indicated the sinking or torpedoing of four ships totalling 31.000 grt. In fact, two ships were sunk, the Fort Howe and Empire Commerce.

The Empire Commerce (Master James Leo Fitzpatrick) completely burned out and drifted ashore eight miles east of Philippeville, Algeria. The master, 39 crew members, seven gunners and four passenger (service personnel) were picked up by HMS Alisma (K 185) (Lt G. Lanning, RANVR) and landed at Algiers.

 
On boardWe have details of 2 people who were on board


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