Ships hit by U-boats


Farmsum

Dutch Steam merchant



Photo courtesy of wivonet.nl

NameFarmsum
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage5,237 tons
Completed1929 - A. Vuijk & Zonen, Capelle an der Ijssel 
OwnerStoomvaart Mij Oostzee NV (Vinke & Co), Amsterdam 
HomeportAmsterdam 
Date of attack7 Dec 1940Nationality:      Dutch
 
FateSunk by U-99 (Otto Kretschmer)
Position52° 11'N, 22° 56'W - Grid AL 8473
Complement31 (16 dead and 15 survivors).
ConvoyOB-252 (straggler)
RouteBlyth - Oban - Buenos Aires 
CargoCoal 
History Completed in April 1929 
Notes on event

At 22.39 hours on 7 Dec 1940, U-99 fired a torpedo at the Farmsum (Master B. Jansma), a straggler from convoy OB-252, in heavy seas. The torpedo was a surface-runner and struck the ship above the waterline at the stern, blowing the stern gun overboard. A second torpedo was fired on the bow of the ship but also struck the stern. The next torpedo hit amidships and caused the ship to sink within three minutes. 19 survivors abandoned ship in lifeboats and were eventually picked up by HMS Ambuscade (D 38) (LtCdr R.A. Fell, RN) with severe signs of frostbite, four of them died.

 
On boardWe have details of 31 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