World War IIMT Leiv Eriksson
The MT Leiv Eriksson was en route with 14,000 tons of oil from Port of Spain when it stopped on 27 June 1942 just east of Barbados, visible from land, for a couple of hours of engine repairs. The ship was torpedoed shortly thereafter by the German U-boat U-126. On board the tanker, everything was done to attract attention from land, including sending radio signals, using the ship’s whistle, firing rockets, and shooting with machine guns. The next torpedo caused a fiery oil column to shoot upwards and fall over the bridge. Two men perished in the oil fire. Seven men jumped into the sea and were rescued by one of the lifeboats. Ten minutes after the U-boat had disappeared, a motorboat came to the lifeboats and brought the survivors to Barbados. Two men later died from burns. A total of four men lost their lives in the sinking.
About MT Leiv Eriksson
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Nationality
Norway
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Built
1936
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Wrecked
27.06.1942
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Carrier
T. Dannevig & Co, Oslo
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Tonnage
14725 dvt
