On this day (21st May) WW1 Shipwreckollections

SS Chatham (1904-1918)

SS Chatham was a British merchant steamer built in 1904 by Short Brothers Ltd., Sunderland. At the time of her loss during WW1, the Chatham was owned by Watts, Watts and Co. Ltd., London.

On 21 May 1918, whilst travelling on a voyage from Karachi to Marseille with a cargo of grain and onions, the Chatham was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat under the command of Otto Kasseroller. At the time of the attack, the British steamer of 3,592 tonnes was located 80 miles SW1/4S of Cape Matapan.

Thankfully, there were no casualties.

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society has offered assistance for fishermen and mariners in need since 1839. The maritime charity provides help for mariners, retired seafarers and their dependants, through financial help including welfare grants, as well as assistance and support.

Photo credit: wrecksite.eu