World War IISS Uniwaleco

The floating whale factory SS Uniwaleco was serving as a tanker in Allied service when it was torpedoed on 7 March 1942 by the German U-boat U-161. When the oil cargo ignited, the crew was forced to abandon ship by jumping into the sea. Of the 51 crew members, 13 perished, including three Norwegians. The vessel was struck twice within minutes, causing it to break in two.

About SS Uniwaleco

  • Nationality

    Flag South Africa

  • Built

    1905

  • Wrecked

    07.03.1942

  • Carrier

    The Union Whaling Co., Ltd.,Durban

  • Tonnage

    9755 dvt

Casualties