World War IIMT Beaulieu
The Norwegian MT Beaulieu was sailing in ballast from Ponta Delgada to Caripito, Venezuela, when it encountered the German commerce raider HSK Widder on 4 August 1940. The vessel was sunk in position 26°30’N 48°00’W. A total of three short salvos of ten shells each were fired at the midship section. Nine projectiles struck the ship, killing four men. The rest of the crew rushed to the lifeboats or jumped overboard. All those in the water were brought into the lifeboats before they rowed to a safe distance. The Germans boarded the ship, which exploded shortly thereafter due to scuttling charges placed on board. On this occasion, the Germans took no prisoners. The survivors in the lifeboats were picked up five days later and landed in Gibraltar. Three Norwegians and one Swede were lost in the sinking.
About MT Beaulieu
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Nationality
Norway
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Built
1930
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Wrecked
04.08.1940
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Carrier
Biørn Biørnstad & Co, Oslo
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Tonnage
9431 dvt
