On this day (23rd May) WW1 Shipwreckollections

SS Lesto (1916-1917)

SS Lesto was a British cargo ship of 1,940 tonnes, built in Sunderland in 1916 by S. P. Austin & Son, Ltd. At the time of her loss, she was owned by the Pelton Steam Ship Co., Newcastle upon Tyne.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 23 May 1917, whilst on a voyage from Bilbao to Garston, with a cargo if iron ore, Lesto was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat under the command of Reinhold Saltzwedel. At the time, the vessel was eight miles west of Île du Pilier.

Sadly, four people lost their lives.

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