Initial Attacks and Response
Fanad Head was travelling unescorted off the coast of Ireland, when she was spotted at 13.23 hours on 14 September 1939 by U-30. The U-boat surfaced and gave chase, eventually stopping her with a shot across her bow some 280 miles west-northwest of Malin Head. After sending a distress call, the master, 33 crew members and eight passengers abandoned ship in two lifeboats. U-30 took them in tow and landed a prize crew aboard her to gather provisions and then scuttle the ship.
The distress call had been received by the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, then on an anti-submarine patrol 200 miles north-east of the Fanad Head. Ark Royal quickly launched three Blackburn Skuas of her 803 Naval Air Squadron, and detached HMS Tartar, HMS Bedouin and HMS Punjabi to go to the Fanad Head’s assistance. 30 minutes after launching the first wave of aircraft, Ark Royal herself was attacked by U-39, but was able to avoid the torpedoes and U-39 was subsequently sunk by Ark Royal’s escorts. After two hours, Ark Royal launched six Swordfish aircraft and detached HMS Fame and HMS Forester to the scene.
Read more about this topic: SS Fanad Head, Sinking
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