Byron D. Benson
Tanker · United States · Lost 1942 · The Outer Banks
A tanker sunk off Cape Hatteras by U-552 in April 1942, during the height of the U-boat offensive on the U.S. coast.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Byron D. Benson was a Tide Water Associated Oil tanker built in 1921. She was torpedoed by U-552 off Cape Hatteras on 1 April 1942 while carrying crude oil. The attack was part of the intense U-boat campaign known as Torpedo Junction. Her wreck lies broken on the seabed off the Outer Banks today.
Vessel
- 1921
- Not established
- Not established
- Steel
- 465 ft
- Not established
- 7953
- Steam, single screw
- Tide Water Associated Oil Company
Loss
- April 1, 1942
- Enemy action
- Off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
- Atlantic Ocean
- Not established
- Crude oil
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- 130 ft
- Broken
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- 35.13° N 75.35° W
- Approximate position
- Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (65/100)
Precise casualty figures and depth details are not firmly established in the sources reviewed.
NOAA Monitor National Marine Sanctuary
Loss cause, location
uboat.net archival records
Submarine attack details
