History
NameIberian
OwnerLeyland Frederick & Co. Ltd.
Port of registryUnited Kingdom Liverpool, United Kingdom
RouteManchester - Boston
BuilderSir James Laing & Sons, Ltd.
Yard number576
Launched21 March 1900
Completed1900
Identification113367
FateTorpedoed and sunk 30 July 1915
General characteristics
TypeCargo ship
Tonnage5,223 GRT
Length133.2 metres (437 ft 0 in)
Beam14.9 metres (48 ft 11 in)
Depth9.1 metres (29 ft 10 in)
Installed powerTriple expansion engine
PropulsionSingle screw propeller
Speed12 knots

SS Iberian was a British cargo ship that was torpedoed by SM U-28 in the Atlantic Ocean 9 nautical miles (17 km) south west of the Fastnet Rock (51°15′N 9°36′W / 51.250°N 9.600°W / 51.250; -9.600) while she was travelling from Manchester, United Kingdom to Boston, United States with a general cargo.[1]

Construction

Iberian was constructed in 1900 at the Sir James Laing & Sons Ltd. shipyard in Sunderland, United Kingdom. She was launched and completed in 1900. The ship was 133.2 metres (437 ft 0 in) long, with a beam of 14.9 metres (48 ft 11 in) and a depth of 9.1 metres (29 ft 10 in). The ship was assessed at 5,223 GRT. She had a triple expansion engine driving a single screw propeller and the engine was rated at 470 nhp.[2]

Sinking

While Iberian was travelling from Manchester, United Kingdom to Boston, United States with a general cargo. She was spotted by SM U-28 in the Atlantic Ocean 9 nautical miles (17 km) south west of the Fastnet Rock, Ireland. SM U-28 fired a torpedo at the Iberian which hit her stern killing 7 crew. Iberian sank stern first beneath the waves, officers from the U-boat reported that the steamer sank so swiftly that its bow stuck up almost vertically into the air before finally sinking shortly after the attack.[3] It is said that along with the debris, a creature described as a "gigantic aquatic animal" resembling a crocodile was seen briefly writhing among the wreckage before disappearing.[4]

Wreck

Iberian sank 9 nautical miles (17 km) south west of the Fastnet Rock, Ireland at a depth of about 104 metres (341 ft 2 in) (51°15′N 9°36′W / 51.250°N 9.600°W / 51.250; -9.600).

References

  1. ^ Helgason, Guðmundur. "Ships hit during WWI: Steamer Iberian". German and Austrian U-boats of World War I - Kaiserliche Marine - Uboat.net. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  2. ^ "Iberian Cargo Ship 1900-1915". Wrecksite.eu. 22 October 2009. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  3. ^ "U-28 Creature". Unknownexplorers.com. 2006. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  4. ^ "Unknown Explorers - U-28 Creature".
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