On this day (16th November) WW1 Shipwreckollections

SS Gasconia (1915-1917)

British cargo vessel, SS Gasconia, was built by Irvine’s Shipbuilding & Drydock Co. Ltd., West Hartlepool in 1915. The Gasconia was owned by Walford L. & Co., London, at the time of her loss during WW1.

On 16 November 1917, on a voyage from Barry to Malta with a cargo of coal and stores, the Gasconia was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat under the command of Otto Schultze. The British steamer of 3,801 tonnes was 12 miles NE of Cape Shershel at the time of the attack.

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