World War IIMT Sandanger
MT Sandanger was on a journey to Belfast in convoy loaded with 7.000 ton paraffin and 7.000 ton gasoline. On the 12th of May 1943, the vessel was torpedoed by the German uboat U-221 in the position 4600N, 2100W. The vessel was struck by three torpedoes and was immediately in flames. The crew ran for their lives to the rescue equipment while the flames engulfed the ocean. A lifeboat carrying 19 men were lowered right into the flames in the ocean. Sandanger broke in half and the prow was a floating bonfire. The intense heat and flames threatened the lifeboat for a long while. At this point, an interesting phenomenon happened; due to the intense combustion on the ship a low-pressure area was created outside the flames. This caused an intensely strong wind to blow along the waters in which the high-pressure area collided with the low-pressure area and caused the flames to split in two. For 40 minutes the lifeboat maneuvered and rowed through the pathway in the flames. Gasoline and flames trailed the boat and at times were just a few meters behind it. The heat was intense, but they managed to get through to open waters. The boat set sail and 10 days later it was observed by a Canadian destroyer and on the 23rd of May 1943 the crew was transported to Londonderry. The Sandanger lost 20 men; the captain, all of the deck officers and most of the deck and midship members of the crew.
About MT Sandanger
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Nationality
Norway
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Built
1938
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Wrecked
12.05.1943
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Carrier
Westfal-Larsen & Co, Bergen
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Tonnage
14800 dvt
