HMS Camito (F 77)
British Ocean boarding vessel
Name | HMS Camito (F 77) | ||
Type: | Ocean boarding vessel | ||
Tonnage | 6,833 tons | ||
Completed | 1915 - A. Stephen & Sons Ltd, Linthouse, Glasgow | ||
Owner | The Admiralty | ||
Homeport | Glasgow | ||
Date of attack | 6 May 1941 | Nationality: British | |
Fate | Sunk by U-97 (Udo Heilmann) | ||
Position | 50° 40'N, 21° 30'W - Grid BE 1372 | ||
Complement | ? men (28 dead and ? survivors). | ||
Convoy | |||
Route | |||
Cargo | |||
History | Completed in June 1915 as steam merchant Camito for Elders & Fyffes Ltd, London. On 6 August 1940 requisitioned by the Admiralty and converted to an ocean boarding vessel (OBV), commissioned on 26 September. | ||
Notes on event | On 1 May 1941 the blockade runner Sangro was captured by the British ocean boarding vessel HMS Cavina in 44°36N/30°20W. She was then escorted to the UK by HMS Camito (F 77) (A/Cdr A.A. Barnet, RNR). At 02.40 hours on 6 May 1941 HMS Camito (F 77) (LtCdr Avon Alexander Barnet, RNR) was hit aft of amidships by one torpedo from U-97 west-southwest of Cape Clear. The U-boat had spotted the two ships at 17.45 hours on 5 May and had problems to keep contact in heavy seas and bad visibility. The OBV was missed at 02.02 hours with a spread of two torpedoes and three minutes later with a stern torpedo before being hit, but continued at slow speed. U-97 then chased the tanker, which caught fire after being hit by one torpedo at 03.53 hours and afterwards returned to the first vessel. Heilmann thought that it is a Q-ship and left the badly damaged ship, which sank the next day in 50°15N/21°16W. Six officers and 22 ratings were lost. The survivors of both ships were picked up by HMS Orchis (K 76) (Lt H. Vernon, RNR) and landed at Greenock. | ||
More info | |||
On board | We have details of 35 people who were on board. |
If you can help us with any additional information on this vessel then please contact us.