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Empire Ocean - a general history

Owners: 1941 MOWT (Wing Line Ltd, Cardiff) West Hartlepool

On a voyage for Loch Ewe with a cargo of coal Empire Ocean ran aground 1 mile from Shingle Head on 4 August 1942. She floated off on her own but had sustained a considerable amount of damage to her bow section. The Foundation Franklin took her in tow stern first to try to get her into Aquaforte Harbour hoping once she was in shallow water salvage of the vessel & cargo could be carried out. Before this could be achieved the order to abandon ship was given as water was coming in at an accelerated rate. Most of the crew left in the lifeboats with just 2 gunners & a skeleton crew remaining aboard. It was decided, instead of trying to get into shallow water at Aquaforte Harbour to head for the Port of Ferryland but as the vessel reached open water it was obvious that she was sinking at an alarming rate. The remainder of the crew got into the lifeboat but before the 2 gunners could escape the vessel sank in 47.01N/52.50W on 5 August 1942. 2 lives were lost.

Lives lost August 1942: Collins, John Henry, able seaman (Royal Navy) aged 32, Bromley, Kent; Sisterson, George bombadier (Royal Artillery) aged 27, South Shields.

 

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