Ships hit by U-boats


Orari

British Motor merchant



Photo courtesy of the Allen Collection

NameOrari
Type:Motor merchant
Tonnage10,350 tons
Completed1931 - A. Stephen & Sons Ltd, Linthouse, Glasgow 
OwnerNew Zealand Shipping Co Ltd, London 
HomeportPlymouth 
Date of attack13 Dec 1940Nationality:      British
 
FateDamaged by U-43 (Wolfgang Lüth)
Position49° 50'N, 20° 55'W - Grid BE 2442
Complement63 (? dead and ? survivors).
Convoy
RouteMelbourne - Avonmouth 
Cargo10.908 tons of refrigerated and general cargo 
History Completed in February 1931

At 00.56 hours on 11 Mar 1942, the Italian submarine Luigi Torelli (De Giacomo) fired torpedoes at the Orari in 13°N/57°W and reported a hit, but the torpedoes missed.

Post-war:
1958 sold to Italy and renamed Capo Bianco for A. Zanchi. Broken up at Savona in May 1971. 
Notes on event

At 20.46 hours on 13 Dec 1940 the unescorted Orari was hit in the stern by one of two torpedoes fired by U-43 and caught fire about 450 miles southwest of Ireland. The U-boat had followed her for six hours and was then not able to finish her off because no torpedoes were left and the deck gun could not be used due to the rough seas. The crew of Orari managed to cover the hole by tarpaulins and made it under own power to the Clyde, where she was repaired and returned to service in March 1941.

 
On boardWe have details of 5 people who were on board


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