World War IIMS Tirranna
The Norwegian MS Tirranna was en route from Melbourne to Mombasa with a cargo of wheat, wool, and 178 military vehicles when, on 10 June 1940, the vessel encountered the German commerce raider HSK Atlantis in position 22°40’S 69°20’E. Tirranna increased speed, and the distance to Atlantis grew, but a shell from the German raider struck the stern, disabling the gun and killing the five men operating it. After being subjected to 39 salvos totalling 150 shells, Tirranna surrendered. A German prize crew was placed on board, and the wounded were treated on Atlantis. Some of the injured later died during the voyage to German-occupied territory in France. On 22 September 1940, as Tirranna was approaching the mouth of the Gironde via the Indian Ocean, around Africa and into the Bay of Biscay, the vessel was torpedoed by the British U-boat Tuna. Three Norwegians from Tirranna, who were prisoners at the time, were killed in the torpedoing.
About MS Tirranna
-
Nationality
Norway
-
Built
1938
-
Wrecked
22.09.1940
-
Carrier
Wilh. Wilhelmsen, Tønsberg
-
Tonnage
10850 dvt
