Ships hit by U-boats


Circe Shell

British Motor tanker



Photo Courtesy of Library of Contemporary History, Stuttgart

NameCirce Shell
Type:Motor tanker
Tonnage8,207 tons
Completed1931 - Howaldtswerke AG, Hamburg 
OwnerAnglo-Saxon Petroleum Co Ltd, London 
HomeportLondon 
Date of attack21 Feb 1942Nationality:      British
 
FateSunk by U-161 (Albrecht Achilles)
Position11° 03'N, 62° 03'W - Grid ED 9739
Complement58 (1 dead and 57 survivors).
ConvoyON-60 (dispersed)
RouteGlasgow - Clyde - Trinidad 
CargoBallast 
History Completed in October 1931. Since 1940 in Admiralty service as Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA). 
Notes on event

At 21.13 hours on 21 Feb 1942 the Circe Shell (Master John Thomas Sinclair), dispersed from convoy ON-60, was hit by two torpedoes from U-161 20 miles west-northwest of Port of Spain, Trinidad. The tanker developed a list but did not sink and due to three aircraft arriving at the scene, the U-boat had to wait for the night until a coup de grĂ¢ce could be fired at 01.41 hours. The torpedo hit and caused the tanker to sink fast by the stern. One crew member was lost. The master, 51 crew members and five gunners were picked up by the British tug Busy and landed at Port of Spain, Trinidad on 23 February.

 
On boardWe have details of 2 people who were on board


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