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Isthmian Name: | Steel Traveler | Period: | Ancient |
| Gross Tonnage: | 7,056 | Net: | 4,381 |
| Dimensions: | 424' 2" x 56' 2" x 26' 5" | MC Type: | |
| Builder: | Federal Shipbuilding Co. Kearny, NJ | Hull # USMC Hull # Date of Build: Delivered: | 68 1922 |
| Engines: | 2 Steam Turbines DR Geared to Single Screwed Shaft | Engine Builder: | Federal Shipbuilding Co. Kearny, NJ |
| Navigation: | GyC | Decks, etc.: | 3 Decks, Fitted for Oil Fuel |
| Began Isthmian Service: | 1922 | Ended Isthmian Service: | 1942 |
----------------------------------- Vessel History ----------------------------------- |
Date | Vessel # | Vessel Name | Vessel Owner | Call Ltrs | Home Port | Flag |
1922 | 222539 | Steel Traveler | U.S. Steel Products Co. New York | MDTF | New York | US |
1930 | 222539 | Steel Traveler | May: Isthmian Lines, Inc. New York | MDTF | New York | US |
1933 | 222539 | Steel Traveler | Isthmian Lines, Inc. New York | KFCI | New York | US |
1942 | ----- | Steel Traveler | US Army, allocated as Transport | ----- | ----- | US |
| Disposition Date | Comments |
| 1944 | 12/18 - On December 18th the vessel sailed in the 8 ship Convoy ATM-16 from Antwerp Belgium to Downs, England, with a cargo of 1,500 tons ballast, Savilion Huntington Chapman Master. The ships proceeded down the Schelde River in single column. At 5 PM, while steaming 6 knots, in mid-channel, 2 cable lengths east of buoy NF 14, the freighter struck a mine. The explosion occurred under the #3 hold on the starboard side. Immediately the ship broke in half, splitting between the #3 hatch and the fireroom. The ship began to flood and sink rapidly. Most of the 8 officers, 37 crewmen, 26 armed guards and 1 passenger escaped in 2 lifeboats and 2 rafts. Within minutes of the explosion, water had reached the bridge with both the bow and stern in the air. The French Destroyer LA COMBATTANTE rescued all survivors from the boats and rafts, landing them at Birkenhead. One officer and 1 merchant crew member 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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