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Isthmian Name: | Steel Navigator | Period: | Ancient |
| Gross Tonnage: | 5,719 | Net: | 3,471 |
| Dimensions: | 424' 2" x 56' 2" x 26' 5" | MC Type: | |
| Builder: | Federal Shipbuilding Co. Kearny, NJ | Hull # USMC Hull # Date of Build: Delivered: | 45 1921 |
| Engines: | 2 Steam Turbines DR Geared to Single Screwed Shaft | Engine Builder: | Federal Shipbuilding Co. Kearny, NJ |
| Navigation: | GyC | Decks, etc.: | 2 Decks, Fitted for Oil Fuel |
| Began Isthmian Service: | 1921 | Ended Isthmian Service: | 1942 |
----------------------------------- Vessel History ----------------------------------- |
Date | Vessel # | Vessel Name | Vessel Owner | Call Ltrs | Home Port | Flag |
1921 | 221857 | Steel Navigator | U.S. Steel Products Co. New York | MDJC | New York | US |
1931 | 221857 | Steel Navigator | July: Isthmian Lines, Inc. New York | MDJC | New York | US |
1933 | 221857 | Steel Navigator | Isthmian Lines, Inc. New York | KDWL | New York | US |
| Disposition Date | Comments |
| 1942 | 10/19 - On October 9th the vessel departed Liverpool, UK for New York in the 36 ship Convoy ON-137, Lars Jorgensen Master, with 2,000 tons sand ballast. On October 17, foggy weather and a fear of collision prompted the Master to drop out of the Convoy. The ship encountered a raging storm for 2 days, causing the sand ballast to shift and give the vessel a 40 degree list. Both the merchant and Navy gun crew shifted the ballast by hand for 2 days, reducing the list to 12 degrees. At 7:30 AM on the 19th, the third mate sighted the U-610 (von Freyberg) 400 yards off the starboard beam. After sounding the general alarm, the Master turned the ship so the submarine lay astern, and the gun crew fired 2 shots before the U-Boat disappeared. At 1:38 PM, position 49.20 N, 32.00 W, SE of Cape Farewell, while steaming at 10.5 knots, a torpedo struck between #1 and #2 holds. The vessel settled by the head and sunk in just 3 minutes. Immediately the Master ordered the 8 officers, 28 crewmen and 16 armed guards to abandon ship. The motor boat immediately swamped in the heavy seas. The #3 boat could not get away before the vessel plunged, capsizing and spilling 35 men into the water, 18 of which climbed onto a raft. The #2 boat cleared the ship and picked several survivors from the water. The crew of the U-610 questioned survivors before leaving the scene. Late that night survivors righted the #3 boat and redistributed, leaving 17 men in #3 and 10 men in #2. The boats remained in the vicinity until daylight as the storm continued, eventually separating. On the 26th, the Destroyer HMS Decoy (H-75) sighted the #3 boat with 16 survivors, 2 officers, 8 crewmen and 6 gun crew, 1 man having expired. The #2 boat was never found. A total of 6 officers, 20 crewmen and 10 armed guards died. |
| The information on this page is the kind contribution of Skip Lewis. Skip, whose dad sailed for Isthmian, is an avid collector and researcher of everything Isthmian. In his quest, he has used many sources and publications including Lloyd's of London and Imperial Steel by John Atherton. Thank you, Skip. Copyright © 2003-2007 - All rights reserved. |
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