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On 21 November 1942, the Empire Sailor sailed with convoy ON-145 carrying poison gas and cyanide in her holds, all in barrels. At 4:16 am, U-518 fired two torpedoes at the ships, another at 4:24 am and two more at 4:25 am, 200 miles (322km) south-east of Sydney, Nova Scotia. One of them hit the Empire Sailor and exploded part of the cargo. The gases spread and affected unprotected sailors. The HMCS Minas (J165) took on shipwrecked crew, including the captain. HMCS Timmins (K-223) also took some on board. The doctor from HMS Wanderer (D74) boarded HMCS Minas and found he was powerless. As a result of the gas breathed in, 17 crew members and 3 gunners died. The attack itself had cost the lives of three sailors. The ship sank while being towed, in position 43°53'N/55°02'W.
In the Books of Remembrance
Commemorated on:
Page 218 of the Merchant Navy Book of Remembrance.
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