
The Tragic Voyage of Eli Knudsen
In late May 1940, the Norwegian tanker Eli Knudsen departed from Aruba, carrying a crucial cargo of 1,300 tons of diesel and fuel oil. The vessel’s destination was the United Kingdom, a journey fraught with danger during the peak of World War II. After a stop in Bermuda for convoy assembly, Eli Knudsen joined the Bermuda portion of Convoy HX 49, departing on June 8th. The convoy represented a collective push to deliver vital supplies to Britain while navigating perilous waters teeming with enemy submarines.
The Dispersal of Convoy HX 49
For nearly two weeks, Convoy HX 49 made its way across the Atlantic. However, on June 21st, a fateful event changed its course: the British tanker San Fernando was struck by a torpedo launched by German U-boat U-47. The attack occurred in the middle of the convoy, prompting the Commodore to issue an urgent order for all ships to disperse and proceed according to secret Admiralty positions. This maneuver, designed to mitigate further losses, left some ships exposed, including Eli Knudsen—one of the convoy’s slower vessels.
A Deadly Encounter
Alone on the open ocean around midnight, Eli Knudsen became a vulnerable target. In the early hours of June 22nd, U-32, commanded by Hans Jenisch, closed in on the tanker’s position at 50° 36’N, 08° 44’W. The submarine launched a torpedo that struck Eli Knudsen’s foreship on the starboard side, unleashing a devastating explosion. Flames and smoke erupted skyward as the impact scattered water, oil, and metal debris across the sea. Despite the destruction, all 37 crew members survived the attack. They took to two lifeboats and were soon rescued by the Royal Navy’s HMS Sandwich. The crew was safely brought to Liverpool the following day, their survival a testament to both their resilience and the timely intervention of their rescuers.
The Struggle to Save a Stricken Vessel
Remarkably, Eli Knudsen did not immediately succumb to the torpedo strike. Efforts were made the next day to salvage the tanker, as the Australian rescue tug Coringa attempted to tow her to safety. Unfortunately, this effort proved futile; Eli Knudsen ultimately sank on June 24th at position 50° 36’N, 07° 51’W. Tragically, the Coringa also disappeared under mysterious circumstances on the same day, believed to have capsized—a sobering reminder of the relentless and unforgiving conditions faced by all who traversed the wartime Atlantic.
A Legacy of Sacrifice and Resilience
The story of Eli Knudsen is one of resilience and sacrifice amidst the dangers of wartime shipping. Her crew’s survival and the attempted rescue efforts speak to the courage of seafarers and their allies, who risked everything to keep critical supplies flowing during one of the most perilous periods in maritime history. As we honor their memory, we remember the risks they faced and the critical role they played in the broader struggle for freedom.