On this day (1st May) WW1 Shipwreckollections

SS Matiana (1894-1918)

British merchant vessel, SS Matiana, was built in 1894 by A. & J. Inglis, Glasgow and owned at the time of her loss by British India Steam Nav. Co. Ltd., Glasgow.

On 1 May 1918, the British steamer of 5,313 tonnes was travelling on a voyage from Alexandria via Bizerta to London with a cargo of cotton and cottonseed, when she was torpedoed without warning and sunk by a German U-boat under the command of Otto Gerke, while aground off Tunis.

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