AH-WR-1863

Lancing

Whale Factory Ship · Norway · Lost 1942 · The Outer Banks

A Norwegian whale factory ship sunk off Cape Hatteras on April 7, 1942; 49 of 50 aboard survived.

Artistic recreation based on recorded historical documents.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

Built in 1897 by Charles Connell and Company as a tramp steamer, Lancing was later rebuilt as a Norwegian whale factory ship and, in wartime, used as a tanker. Carrying about 8,800 tons of fuel, she was torpedoed by U-552 off Cape Hatteras on April 7, 1942, and sank. One of the 50 aboard died; 49 were rescued.

Vessel

Built: 1897
Builder: Charles Connell and Company
Yard: Not established
Material: Steel
Length: Not established
Beam: Not established
Tonnage: Not established
Propulsion: Steam
Owners: Not established

Loss

Date: April 7, 1942
Cause: Enemy action
Location: Off Cape Hatteras
Water: Atlantic Ocean
Voyage: Not established
Cargo: About 8,800 tons of fuel
Aboard: Not established
Lives lost: 1
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: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Region: The Outer Banks

Precise wreck position not taken into this record.

Evidence

Overall confidence: Partially documented (70/100)

Build year, crew count, position and depth 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.
NOAA Monitor National Marine Sanctuary — Lancing
Build year and builder, cargo, survivors 49 of 50.