Ships hit by U-boats


Joseph M. Cudahy

American Steam tanker



Photo courtesy of the Mariners Museum, Newport News VA

NameJoseph M. Cudahy
Type:Steam tanker
Tonnage6,950 tons
Completed1921 - Sun Shipbuilding Co, Chester PA 
OwnerSinclair Refining Co, New York 
HomeportWilmington 
Date of attack5 May 1942Nationality:      American
 
FateSunk by U-507 (Harro Schacht)
Position25° 57'N, 83° 57'W - Grid DM 1433
Complement37 (27 dead and 10 survivors).
Convoy
RouteHouston (2 May) - Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania 
Cargo77.444 barrels of crude and lubricating oils 
History Completed in February 1921 
Notes on event

At 04.15 hours on 5 May 1942 the unescorted and unarmed Joseph M. Cudahy (Master Walter Edmund Reed) was torpedoed by U-507 about 125 miles west of Naples, Florida. Lookouts on the tanker had spotted the burning Munger T. Ball, which had been torpedoed by the same U-boat at 01.32 hours, 74 miles northwest of the Dry Tortugas Light and the master changed course for Tampa and steered a zigzag pattern at 11 knots. One torpedo struck at the waterline on the starboard side at the #4 main tank, just after the third officer had spotted the conning tower and saw the torpedo track about 20 feet from the tanker. The explosion blew a large hole in the side and started a fire in the midships house. The master steered into the wind to allow the crew of eight officers and 29 crewmen to abandon ship. The master and eight men on the forepart of the tanker left in one lifeboat and were sighted by PBY Catalina aircraft of the US Navy. A fishing schooner offered to help the men, but they declined. These men were picked up by a PBY about 12 hours after the attack and taken to Key West, Florida. One other survivor was picked up by another PBY the same morning and also taken to Key West. Three officers and 24 crewmen were lost.

On 7 May, the gutted and still burning Joseph M. Cudahy was sighted by the American patrol yacht USS Coral (PY 15) in 24°57N/84°10W and was sunk by gunfire, because she was beyond salvage and a menace to navigation.

 
On boardWe have details of 29 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