World War IIMT Ferncastle
MT Ferncastle was on a journey in ballast from Australia to Abadan. On the 17th of June 1943, was the ship sunk by the German raider Michel and an associated motor torpedo boat in position 25S, 97E. Just as the crew boarded the lifeboats opened Michel fire. One man was killed and another one dove into the sea with his burning life vest. It is assumed that more people were killed, because in just two lifeboats sat 19 men. No one wanted to be taken as prisoners, so the lifeboats pulled away quickly to escape the raider in the darkness. The lifeboats were headed for the Chagos Archipelago. The crew decided to gather in one of the lifeboats when they were underway towards Chagos Archipelago. Day after day were they sailing the endless Indian ocean, the sun was scorching hot and the nights chilled them to the bones. Thirst and hunger and salt wore them down, and insanity and doom was close. Six men died underway, the last man died after 30 days which was also the same day that they got land in sight. On the 17th of July, one month after the torpedo attack, 14 survivors could crawl upon the sandy beaches close to the village Nosy Varika on Madagascar, 3000 nautical miles from Ferncastles last known position. In total 24 men perished, 18 during the sinking and 6 during the voyage with lifeboat.
About MT Ferncastle
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Nationality
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Built
1936
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Wrecked
17.06.1943
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Carrier
Fearnely & Eger, Oslo
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Tonnage
14770 dvt
