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S.S. Steel Voyager


 
Gross Tonnage:6,198Net:3,798
Dimensions:395' 5" x 55' 0" x 31' 4"MC Type:1037
 
Builder:Federal Shipbuilding Co.
Kearny, NJ
Hull #
USMC Hull #
Date of Build:
Delivered:
33

1920
2/20
Engines:2 Steam Turbines DR Geared to Single Screwed ShaftEngine Builder:Midwest Engine Co.
Indianapolis, IN
Navigation:GyCDecks, etc.:1 Deck(Stl) & Shelter Deck(Stl) & Web Frames & Longitudinal Framing, Fitted for Oil Fuel

Began Isthmian Service:1920Ended Isthmian Service:1942

----------------------------------- Vessel History -----------------------------------
Date
Vessel
#
Vessel
Name
Vessel
Owner
Call Ltrs
Home
Port
Flag
1920
219662
Steel VoyagerU.S. Steel Products Co.
New York
LVSH
New YorkUS
1930
219662
Steel VoyagerJune: Isthmian Lines, Inc.
New York
LVSH
New YorkUS
1933
219662
Steel VoyagerIsthmian Lines, Inc.
New York
KUFN
New YorkUS
1942
 
Steel VoyagerUS Army, allocated as Transport
 
 US

Events:


Disposition DateComments
19439/23 - On 9/13 the vessel departed Liverpool, UK for New York, with 2,500 tons sand ballast, John Joseph Brady Master, in Convoy ONS-18 at station #11. On 9/20 the convoy merged with ON-202 with the STEEL VOYAGER taking station as the fourth in line in the port outboard column. At 4:35 AM, position 53.30 N, 40.40 W, while steaming at 7 knots, the U-952 (Curio) fired 2 torpedos, one striking at the collision bulkhead on the starboard side, blowing the windlass and forecastle deck upward and the hatch cover off #1. While the survivors reported just 1 explosion, lookouts on nearby ships and German records report 2. The second torpedo struck in the vicinity of #2 hatch, given the description of the damage. Without orders, 7 of the merchant crew launched a lifeboat and lay off the ship's side. The Master ordered engines stopped while the damage was inspected. As the ship sank by the head and the propeller raised out of the water, the Master ordered the vessel abandoned. The remnants of the 9 officers, 30 crewman and 27 armed guards left in the remaining 3 boats. When the Canadian Corvette MORDEN (K-170) and French Corvette RENONCULE came to their assistance, the Master and crew reboarded the vessel. A Committee from the RENONCULE boarded the ship and declared her unseaworthy. The Commander advised the Master that unless the vessel could get underway immediately, it should be abandoned. With the bow down and prop out of the water, the Master ordered the ship abandoned for the final time. 35 men boarded the RENONCULE and 31 boarded the MORDEN, all landing at St. Johns, Newfoundland on 9/26. All hands survived.


Photo courtesy of David Boone - Marine Artist © 2004 - All rights reserved.


The information on this web site is the kind contribution of our Historian, Skip Lewis, © 2003. Skip, whose dad sailed for Isthmian, is an avid collector and researcher of everything Isthmian and States Marine. In his quest, he has used many sources and publications including Lloyd's of London and Imperial Steel by John Atherton.

If you have any questions about, or information for, this website, please contact us.

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