Photo. www.photoship.co.uk
Built: 1911
Tonnage: 4,362 / 6,200 tons
Cargo: 4,617 tons of coal
Route: Newport - Barry - Freetown
Sunk 23 MAY 41 by U-38 on pos 09º 20’N 15º 35’W
7 Dead
35 Survivors
Completed in October 1911 as French Vulcain for Cie des Affrêteurs Français, Rouen. 1934 transferred to Société Anonyme les Cargos Algériens, Rouen.In June 1940, the French Vulcain of Société Anonyme les Cargos Algériens, Rouen was taken over at Milford Haven by the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT).
At 02.49 hours on 24 May, 1941, the Vulcain (Master Jack Reginald Lewis), dispersed from convoy OB-318, was hit underneath the bridge by one G7a torpedo from U-38 and sank immediately by the bow about 160 miles northwest of Freetown. Seven crew members were lost. The ship had been missed with a spread of two G7a torpedo at 00.32 hours.
The master and 33 crew members made landfall at Boffa, French Colonial Territory and were interned by the Vichy French authorities. The master was awarded the Lloyds War Medal for bravery at sea.
By Vulcain (British Steam merchant) - Ships hit by German U-boats during WWII - uboat.net