On this day (13th April) WW1 Shipwreckollections

SS Kariba (1904-1917)

British merchant vessel SS Kariba was built in 1904 by Joseph Thompson & Sons, Ltd. Sunderland. At the time of her loss, the steamer of 3,697 tonnes was owned by the Gordon Steam Shipping Co., London.

On 13 April 1917, Kariba, on a voyage from Java and Dakar to Falmouth, with a cargo of sugar, was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat under the command of Gerhard Schulz. She was positioned 260 miles W.N.W of Ushant at the time.

Despite two lifeboats managing to get away, sadly 13 people lost their lives.

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

Photo credit: wrecksite.eu