World War IIMS Benjamin Franklin
MV Benjamin Franklin departed Bermuda in a convoy on February 1st 1941, with Liverpool as destination. The ship was carrying 8.400 ton general cargo, explosives, bombs and airplanes. The convoy met a heavy storm, evolving towards a hurricane, which made it difficult to keep the convoy together and the Benjamin Franklin ended up by itself. The wind gradually increased to a moderate storm with heavy snow when the vessel was torpedoed by the German U-boat U-103 on February 19th 1941. The torpedo struck the machine room and the ship sunk rapidly. Two lifeboats carrying 24 men was quickly lowered to the water, but during the night they lost contact. There was no signs of the other lifeboat carrying 17 men in the twilight and no other signs of life in the rough seas. For four strenuous days, one of the lifeboats kept its course towards Ireland until seven survivors were found and taken in by a British corvette and brought to Liverpool. 21 Norwegians, three Swedes, two Canadians, an Irishman, a Dane and a Russian perished in the sinking. It was later discovered that 29 of the missing crew were taken in by the Egyptian Ship Memphis. This ship had a encounter with heavy weather NW of Ireland, experienced engine failure and was pulled down by the sea. None of the people onboard survived this sinking.
About MS Benjamin Franklin
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Nationality
Norway
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Built
1927
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Wrecked
19.02.1941
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Carrier
Fred Olsen & Co, Oslo
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Tonnage
9900 dvt
