Ships hit by U-boats


Frances Salman

American Steam merchant



Frances Salman under her former name Lake Flambeau

NameFrances Salman
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage2,609 tons
Completed1919 - McDougall-Duluth Shipbuilding Co, Duluth MN 
OwnerCanadian Gulf Lines Inc, Houston TX 
HomeportHouston 
Date of attack18 Jan 1942Nationality:      American
 
FateSunk by U-552 (Erich Topp)
Position46° 33'N, 53° 05'W - Grid BB 6679
Complement28 (28 dead - no survivors)
Convoy
RouteSt. John’s, Newfoundland (17 Jan) - Corner Brook, Newfoundland 
CargoBallast 
History Completed in October 1919 as Lake Flambeau for US Shipping Board (USSB). 1924 renamed James River for Philadelphia & Norfolk SS Co Inc, Wilmington DE. 1939 renamed Frances Salman for Canadian Gulf Lines Inc, Houston TX. 
Notes on event

At 06.44 hours on 18 January 1942 the unescorted and unarmed Frances Salman (Master Rasmus Wathne) was hit by one G7e torpedo from U-552 about 7 miles south of Cape Race, after being missed by four torpedoes in four unsuccessful attacks. The ship attempted to escape and several distress signals were sent, but were not heard by Allied stations. The torpedo, fired from about 500 yards, struck the ship aft and caused her to sink by the stern within ten minutes in rough seas. The bow remained above the water for about 25 minutes before disappearing. Some of the eight officers and 20 crewmen managed to launch a lifeboat, but due to the state of the seas, none of the men in the boat survived.

 
On boardWe have details of 28 people who were on board


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