AH-WR-1860

Ciltvaira

Cargo Steamer · Latvia · Lost 1942 · The Outer Banks

A Latvian steamer torpedoed off Nags Head in January 1942, carrying a cargo of paper.

Artistic recreation based on recorded historical documents. See the documented evidence.

Historically Reconstructed. Drawn from partial documentation of this vessel together with her known class and configuration. See the documented evidence.

The Vessel and Her Loss

Ciltvaira was a Latvian-flagged cargo steamer carrying newsprint along the U.S. coast. On January 19, 1942 she was torpedoed by U-123 off Nags Head. Two crew were killed in the explosion; the rest abandoned ship and were rescued. The hull drifted before sinking.

Vessel

Built: 1905
Builder: Not established
Yard: Not established
Material: Steel
Length: Not established
Beam: Not established
Tonnage: Not established
Propulsion: Steam, single screw
Owners: Not established

Loss

Date: January 19, 1942
Cause: Enemy action
Location: Off Nags Head
Water: Atlantic Ocean
Voyage: Not established
Cargo: Newsprint
Aboard: Not established
Lives lost: 2
Master: Not established

The Wreck Today

Depth: Not established
Condition: Not established
Orientation: Not established
Discovered: Not established
Protection: Not established

Position

Coordinates: Not established
Accuracy: Position not established
Nearest: Nags Head, North Carolina
Region: The Outer Banks

Precise wreck position not taken into this record.

Evidence

Overall confidence: Partially documented (74/100)

The precise wreck position, depth and present condition are not established in this record.

NOAA Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, Battle of the Atlantic research
Vessel identity, attack, loss date and casualty account.
uboat.net Allied ships hit by U-boats
Vessel particulars, attacking submarine and crew outcome.