World War IIMT Athene
MT Athene was on a journey from Haifa to Alexandria with 6000 tonnes gasoline. While the ship was on its journey it was redirected towards Tobruk in a convoy. This convoy was attacked by three uboats, and Athene was torpedoed at the 10th of June 1942 by the German uboat U-559 in the position 3112N, 2810W. The cover of the tank was blown apart, and a wave of gasoline washed over the boat and ignited the ship along with the waters around it. Athene was at a high speed which made it difficult to deploy the lifeboats. The crew amidships managed to board the captain’s gig, but the burning gasoline flooded into the boat, and the crew had to dive into the sea. The crew which was still on Athene was in a frightful situation. They attempted to deploy a lifeboat, but during the deployment the ship was hit by another explosion. The only choices they had left was either to be burned or to drown, they chose the second option. Ten Norwegians, one Palestinian, one Briton and a Dane perished in the sinking. The other crewmembers which were in the ocean was rescued by an escort vessel after a half hour. Several of the survivors were badly burnt and had to be hospitalized.
About MT Athene
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Nationality
Norway
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Built
1928
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Wrecked
10.06.1942
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Carrier
Jørgen Bang, Kristiansand
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Tonnage
7000 dvt
