ss Samtampa Disaster.

[Fouro]

The sinking of the Liberty ship 'SS SAMTAMPA' this month, Seventy years ago.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.wal...t-12888599.amp

FOURO.

[Ian Malcolm]

The following is an extract from my Kindle book, OUTWARD BOUND.

(I was 1st Radio Officer/Purser on the Blue Funnel Liberty Ship Samnesse and we were in Bone (now Annaba), Algeria. in March 1947.)

"The Samtampa came in during our stay and, Bill Waters, her R/O, paid us a friendly visit. He was not, however, the man who was lost when the ship was driven onto rocks at Sker Point, near Porthcawl, the following month and missed the fate of his successor by a mere quirk of fate. When the ship arrived in Middlesbrough, IMR (International Marine Radio) asked if he would like to remain on her for the short run to South Wales. They did this because South Wales was nearer to Mr Waters' home and he declined the offer only because he had already packed his bags. When I later worked at Portisheadradio, within which Burnhamradio was situated, a colleague showed emotion as he spoke of this disaster and recalled the bravery of the R/O, W.E. Thompson. With death staring him in the face, his last message had been to thank Burnham for their assistance."

When I was in Swansea on the Clytoneus in December 1950, I made a point of visiting the Mumbles as a mark of respect. It was a tragedy with which I have always felt closely associated.

[Fouro]

REMEMBERING THE CREW OF THE "MUMBLES" LIFEBOAT.

Remembering the men of the Mumbles, 1947 | RNLI Magazine

FOURO.

[Fouro]

The Board of Trade Wreck Report for the "ss Samtampa" Disaster-1947.

Wreck report for 'Samtampa', 1947 - PortCities Southampton

FOURO.

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Hi Fouro.
Thanks for that report, it's many years since I have read it, and it brought it all back, I was fourteen at the time and as I lived in a village that had quite a few Seamen we all shared the loss. My father took me down to the Mumbles and I remember there was a big crowd, not gawking like they would today, but feeling the suffering of the Lifeboat families, brave men all.
Cheers Des

redc.gif

[Fouro]

The unimaginal horror of the eight brave and devoted men of the Mumbles lifeboat losing their lives whilst attempting to rescue the ill-fated crew of the stricken "ss Samtampa" must have been so devastating for the close families concerned. During such emotional circumstances, I have no doubts in saying that small communities of local village people become very close knit and share their heart felt grief with the close families affected, thus enabling them to accept and respond to the tragic news in a solemn manner.
Yes Des, brave men all of them indeed.
May all forty seven of them,
R.I.P.
Their sacrifice must never be forgotten.

FOURO.