World War IIDS Birk
The Norwegian DS Birk was anchored in Bøkfjorden outside Kirkenes on 15 February 1942, awaiting a cargo of ore. That same day, a storm with heavy snowfall set in. The ship’s master and chief engineer had been ordered ashore by the Germans for a conference. When they attempted to return on board, they found the ship missing from its anchorage. A search was launched, but Birk had disappeared without a trace. It was reported that the ship was difficult to manoeuvre while in ballast, and it later emerged that the vessel had likely drifted into a German minefield guarding part of the approach to Kirkenes. Twenty-six crew members were lost in the sinking.
About DS Birk
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Nationality
Norway
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Built
1920
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Wrecked
15.02.1942
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Carrier
A/S Rederi Odfjell, Bergen
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Tonnage
7300 dvt
