SS Munger T. Ball
Tanker · United States · Lost 1942 · The Gulf of Mexico
A gasoline tanker that burst into flame within minutes of a U-boat's torpedo, one of the first Gulf sinkings of 1942.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Munger T. Ball, formerly Lilmae and Chilsco, was a gasoline tanker en route from Port Arthur to Norfolk when U-507 torpedoed her northwest of the Dry Tortugas. Burning fuel spread across the water almost immediately, trapping most of the crew. Only four of 34 men survived, rescued hours later by a passing vessel.
Vessel
- 1920
- Terry Shipbuilding Co
- Savannah, Georgia
- Steel
- 329 ft
- 51 ft
- 5104
- Steam, single screw
- Sabine Transportation Company
Loss
- May 5, 1942
- Enemy action
- About 80 miles northwest of Dry Tortugas, Florida
- Gulf of Mexico
- Port Arthur, Texas → Norfolk, Virginia
- 65,000 barrels of gasoline
- 34
- 30
- Karl Ragnar Olsen
The Wreck Today
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- 25.28° N 83.95° W
- Approximate position
- Dry Tortugas, Florida
Evidence
Overall confidence: Documented (82/100)
Present wreck condition and depth are not established in the sources reviewed.
uboat.net Allied Ships Hit by U-boats
Attack narrative, casualties, route.
U.S. Maritime Administration Vessel History Database
Vessel particulars and incident record.
NOAA Office of Response and Restoration
Loss narrative and later oil-recovery mission context.
