World War IIMT Kollbjørg
The MT Kollbjørg departed New York in convoy on 14 January 1943, bound for Mersey, Liverpool. The winter weather in the North Atlantic in 1943 was the worst in living memory. For a period of 120 days, storms and gales with heavy seas persisted for 116 days. On 24 January, with winds near hurricane strength, a massive wave struck the heavily loaded tanker, causing it to break in two. The forward section disappeared. Two ships, including the Norwegian Nortind, stayed nearby the entire day but were unable to assist due to the storm. In the morning, the weather eased slightly, and an American tanker came alongside Kollbjørg’s stern and rescued the surviving crew. During the transfer, one man was seriously injured and died later that night. It was later revealed that the forward section was sunk by the German U-boats U-607 and U-594. Thirteen lives were lost in the sinking.
About MT Kollbjørg
-
Nationality
Norway
-
Built
1937
-
Wrecked
24.01.1943
-
Carrier
Odd Berg, Oslo
-
Tonnage
12670 dvt
