Ships hit by U-boats


Persephone

Panamanian Motor tanker



NamePersephone
Type:Motor tanker
Tonnage8,426 tons
Completed1925 - Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft AG, Kiel 
OwnerPanama Transport Co, Panama 
HomeportPanama 
Date of attack25 May 1942Nationality:      Panamanian
 
FateA total loss by U-593 (Gerd Kelbling)
Position39° 44'N, 73° 53'W - Grid CA 5165
Complement37 (9 dead and 28 survivors).
Convoy
RouteAruba - New York 
Cargo80.000 barrels of crude oil 
History Completed in May 1925 for Baltisch-Amerikanische Petroleum Import GmbH, Danzig. 1935 transferred to Panama Transport Co, Panama.  
Notes on event

At 20.53 hours on 25 May 1942 the Persephone sailing in an unknown convoy was torpedoed by U-593 off Barnegat Light and sank later in only eight fathoms of water in 46°15N/74°02W after breaking in two. The bow section was salvaged and towed to New York, where 21.000 barrels of oil were saved by barges. Her midship house was even removed intact and placed on the tanker Livingston Roe. The stern section was later blown up by the US Coast Guard after passing ships collided with it more than once.

 
On boardWe have details of 37 people who were on board


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