The MV San Demetrio Convoy HX 84 Disaster was a pivotal moment in the history of the ship. It was torpedoed by a German submarine on September 5, 1941.
The ship was part of Convoy HX 84, a large group of merchant vessels traveling from New York to the UK. This convoy was one of the largest to have sailed from the US at that time.
The San Demetrio managed to stay afloat despite the attack, but it suffered significant damage. The crew's bravery and quick thinking helped them to save the ship.
Event
The MV San Demetrio was a British merchant ship that played a crucial role in World War II. It was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1940.
The ship's crew managed to save themselves by boarding lifeboats and eventually being rescued by a British destroyer.
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Convoy HX 84
Convoy HX 84 was a significant maritime event during World War II. It was a convoy of 38 ships that left Halifax, Nova Scotia on 28 October 1940.
The convoy was bound for Avonmouth, England, carrying a crucial cargo of 11,200 tons of aviation fuel. San Demetrio, one of the ships in the convoy, had loaded this fuel in Aruba, Dutch West Indies.
The convoy was escorted by the armed merchant cruiser HMS Jervis Bay, a converted passenger liner that had been armed with seven outdated BL 6 inch Mk VII naval guns and a pair of 3-inch (76 mm) anti-aircraft guns.
HMCS Columbia and HMCS St. Francis, two Town-class destroyers, escorted the convoy out of Canadian home waters.
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Re-boarding
Re-boarding is a crucial step in the event planning process. It's a chance to review and refine the event details, ensuring everything is in place for a smooth execution.
A well-structured re-boarding process involves reviewing the event schedule, venue layout, and vendor contracts. This helps identify potential issues and make necessary adjustments before the event.
Re-boarding typically occurs 2-4 weeks prior to the event, giving planners ample time to make changes and communicate with vendors.
Sinking
The San Demetrio's sinking was a significant event. On 14 March 1942, the ship sailed unescorted from Baltimore, Maryland bound for the UK via Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The cargo on board was substantial, consisting of 4,000 tons of alcohol and 7,000 tons of aviation spirit. This was a crucial shipment, but it didn't save the ship from danger.
On 17 March, the German submarine U-404 torpedoed the San Demetrio while it was northwest of Cape Charles, Virginia. The attack was swift and devastating.
Sixteen crew members and three DEMS gunners lost their lives in the sinking, while six crew members were wounded. The survivors managed to launch two lifeboats, which is a testament to their bravery.
The US tanker SS Beta rescued the Master, Conrad Vidot, 26 crew members, and five DEMS gunners two days after the sinking. They were taken to Norfolk, Virginia for medical attention.
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