Ships hit by U-boats


Cranford

American Steam merchant


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


NameCranford
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage6,096 tons
Completed1920 - The Carolina Shipbuilding Co, Wilmington NC 
OwnerLykes Bros SS Co Inc, New Orleans LA 
HomeportLake Charles 
Date of attack30 Jul 1942Nationality:      American
 
FateSunk by U-155 (Adolf Cornelius Piening)
Position12° 17'N, 55° 11'W - Grid EE 8634
Complement47 (11 dead and 36 survivors).
Convoy
RouteCapetown - Trinidad - USA 
Cargo6600 tons of chrome ore and 1600 tons of cotton 
History  
Notes on event

At 19.58 hours on 30 Jul 1942 the unescorted Cranford (Master James Henry Donlon) was hit by one torpedo from U-155 about 250 miles east-southeast of Barbados, as she was proceeding on a nonevasive course at 8.6 knots because of a lack of fuel and daylight conditions. The torpedo struck on the starboard side between #2 and #3 holds. Her cargo caused the ship to sink bow first within three minutes. The complement of nine officers, 27 men and 11 armed guards (the ship was armed with one 3in, four .50cal and two .30cal guns) left the ship in one lifeboat and two rafts, but the most men had to jump overboard. Six officers (among them the master), three crewmen and two armed guards died. U-155 surfaced, questioned the survivors and asked them if they could do anything for them. Two injured survivors were treated on board the U-boat and water, supplies and directions to land were given before U-155 left. Several hours after the sinking the survivors were picked up by the Spanish steam tanker Castillo Alemenara and landed at CuraƧao on 3 August.

 
On boardWe have details of 11 people who were on board


If you can help us with any additional information on this vessel then please contact us.

Return to Allied Ships hit by U-boats