Battle With Greif
Greif was disguised as the Norwegian Rena out of Tonsberg, Norway when intercepted by Alcantara on the morning of 29 February. Alcantara closed to 2000 yards and slowed to lower a boarding cutter when Greif hoisted the German battle ensign, increased speed, and opened fire.
Alcantara returned fire from the port side guns. Range was never more than 3000 yards. One of Greifs torpedoes detonated amidships against Alcantaras port side, and one of Alcantaras shells exploded the ready ammunition for Greifs after gun. Both ships lost speed.
Greifs crew abandoned ship 40 minutes after opening fire. Alcantara sank first. The light cruiser Comus and destroyer Munster then arrived to sink the stationary Greif and rescue 210 German survivors.
Read more about this topic: SS Alcantara (1913)
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