Ships hit by U-boats


Sulby


Photo courtesy of Bob Dawson

NameSulby
Type:Steam trawler
Tonnage287 tons
Completed1909 - Smith’s Dock Co, North Shields 
OwnerAlexander Keay, Fleetwood 
HomeportFleetwood 
Date of attack21 Nov 1939Nationality:      British
 
FateSunk by U-33 (Hans-Wilhelm von Dresky)
PositionGrid AM 5348 - See estimated map location (55.27N08.01W) *
Complement12 (5 dead and 7 survivors).
Convoy
RouteFleetwood - Klondyke fishing grounds 
Cargo 
History Completed in March 1909 as Sulby (FD 87) for The Wyre Steam Trawling Co Ltd (Richard C. Ward & John N. Ward & Son), Fleetwood. In August 1914 requisitioned by the Admiralty as M/S trawler and returned to owner in 1919. 1933 sold to Alexander Keay, Fleetwood. 
Notes on loss

Between 08.30 and 09.20 hours on 21 Nov, 1939, U-33 sank the Sulby and William Humphries about 75 miles northwest of Rathlin, each with about 5 rounds from the deck gun after firing a warning shot.

The crew of Sulby (Skipper Clarence Hector Hudson) abandoned ship in two lifeboats in gale force winds, but the boat containing the master and four crew members was never seen again. The seven survivors in the other boat were rescued by the Tobermory Lifeboat on 23 November.

 

* Estimated position shown here is based on positions of losses in a roughly the same German grid code. It may be a bit off but should give a good idea as to where the attack took place.


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