On this day (30th January) WW1 Shipwreckollections

SS Minnetonka (1902-1918)

SS Minnetonka was a British passenger steamer that was built in 1902 by Harland & Wolff Ltd., Belfast. At the time of her loss a century ago, the ship of 13,528 tonnes was owned by Atlantic Transport Co. Ltd., Belfast.

On 30 January 1918, the Minnetonka, on a voyage from Port Said to Marseille with a cargo of mails, was torpedoed without warning and sunk by a German U-boat under the command of Robert Moraht. At the time of the attack, the British steamer was 40 miles ENE of Malta.

Sadly, four crew members 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