Ships hit by U-boats


Tachirá

American Steam merchant



Tachirá under her former name Antonio. Photo courtesy of State Library of New South Wales

NameTachirá
Type:Steam merchant
Tonnage2,325 tons
Completed1920 - McDougall-Duluth Shipbuilding Co, Duluth MN 
OwnerGrace Line Inc (W.R. Grace & Co), New York 
HomeportWilmington 
Date of attack12 Jul 1942Nationality:      American
 
FateSunk by U-129 (Hans-Ludwig Witt)
Position18° 15'N, 81° 45'W - Grid EB 2143
Complement38 (5 dead and 33 survivors).
Convoy
RouteMaracaibi - Barranquilla, Colombia - New Orleans 
Cargo2100 tons of cacao, dividivi and coffee 
History Completed in October 1920 as Spanish Antonio for Perez & de Andres. 1922 renamed Elizabeth R. when returned to the builder. 1922 renamed Tachirá for Atlantic & Caribbean Steam Navigation Co, Wilmington DE. 
Notes on event

At 23.46 hours on 12 July 1942 the unescorted Tachirá (Master Sverre Mordale Gram) was hit on the starboard side by one torpedo from U-129 while steaming on a zigzag course at 11 knots about 375 miles west of Jamaica. The torpedo struck at the #4 hatch and caused the ship to sink in three minutes. The eight officers, 24 crewmen and six armed guards (the ship was armed with one 3in gun) abandoned ship in one lifeboat and three rafts and were questioned by the Germans that provided a bandage for a wounded man and gave directions to the nearest land. One officer, three crewmen and one armed guard were lost. On 16 July, the survivors made landfall at Punta Herrero, Mexico and were later taken to Merida.

 
On boardWe have details of 8 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