On this day (26th October) WW1 Shipwreckollections

SS Sapele (1904-1917)

SS Sapele was a British cargo ship built in 1904. The steamer was built by Palmer’s Shipbuilding & Iron Co. Ltd. in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and at the time of her loss a century ago, she was owned by the Elder Dempster Lines Ltd., Liverpool.

On 26 October 1917, SS Sapele was travelling on a voyage from Liverpool to Sierra Leone with general cargo when she was targeted by a German U-boat under the command of Kurt Bernis and sunk by torpedo. At the time, the steamer of 4,366 tonnes was 100 miles NW of Tory Island.

Sadly, three 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