On this day (21th July) – WW2 Shipwreckollections

Posted: 21 July 2016 Posted In: Shipwreckollections

SS Empire Florizel (1909-1943)

The SS Empire Florizel was built in 1909 by Lithgows Ltd. (Glasgow) and owned by the Ministry of War Transport during the WW2.

SS Empire Florizel

The ocean liner weighed 7047 tonnes. The British Cargo steamer was usually used for transportation.

On the 21 July 1943, the ship sunk in an air raid in Augusta, Sicily, a major campaign of World War II During the raid the Allies took the island of Sicily from the Axis powers (Italy and Nazi Germany). During this large sea and airborne operation, followed by a six-week land campaign, 3,000 British ships were involved.

There were 45 survivors, 9 casualties and the ship has not yet been found.

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society provided the survivors with £329/7s worth of financial support – the equivalent of £13,965 today.

Photo credit: www.wrecksite.eu

Posted In: Shipwreckollections