Piako
British Steam merchant
| Name | Piako | ||
| Type: | Steam merchant | ||
| Tonnage | 8,286 tons | ||
| Completed | 1920 - A. Stephen & Sons Ltd, Linthouse, Glasgow | ||
| Owner | New Zealand Shipping Co Ltd, London | ||
| Homeport | Plymouth | ||
| Date of attack | 18 May 1941 | Nationality:  British | |
| Fate | Sunk by U-107 (Günter Hessler) | ||
| Position | 07.52N, 14.57W - Grid ET 2988 | ||
| Complement | 75 (10 dead and 65 survivors). | ||
| Convoy | |||
| Route | Albany, Western Australia - Freetown - Liverpool | ||
| Cargo | 7100 tons refrigerated goods, 1500 tons zinc, 1500 tons butter, 1500 tons meat and 24 bags of mail | ||
| History | Laid down as War Orestes for The Shipping Controller, completed in December 1920 as Piako for New Zealand Shipping Co Ltd, London. | ||
| Notes on loss | At 22.27 hours on 18 May, 1941, the unescorted Piako (Master Benjamin Evans) was hit underneath the bridge by one torpedo from U-107 about 130 miles southwest of Freetown, stopped, sent distress signals and was abandoned by the crew. A coup de grâce was fired at 22.43 hours, which hit in the after part, broke off the stern and caused the ship to sink. Ten crew members were lost. The master, 62 crew members and two gunners were picked up by HMS Bridgewater (U 01) (Cdr H.F.G. Leftwich, RN (retired)) and landed at Freetown. | ||
Location of attack on Piako.
ship sunk.
If you can help us with any additional information on this vessel then please contact us.