Norness
Motor Tanker · Panama · Lost 1942 · Long Island & the New York Approaches
A Panamanian tanker torpedoed by U-123 off Montauk in January 1942, the opening strike of Germany's U-boat offensive against shipping along the American coast.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Norness was en route from New York to Liverpool with a cargo of Admiralty fuel oil when U-123, commanded by Reinhard Hardegen, struck her with torpedoes about 60 miles southeast of Montauk Point on January 14, 1942. The tanker sank in shallow water after further coup de grace hits, though her bow reportedly remained visible above the surface. Thirty-nine of the 41 crew survived and were rescued the next day by a Navy blimp-directed search. The attack was among the first in Operation Paukenschlag, Germany's opening U-boat offensive along the U.S. East Coast.
Vessel
- 1939
- Deutsche Werft AG
- Hamburg, Germany
- Steel
- Not established
- Not established
- 9577
- Diesel, single screw
- Tanker Corp (Johan Rasmussen & Co), Panama
Loss
- January 14, 1942
- Enemy action
- About 60 miles southeast of Montauk Point, Long Island
- Atlantic Ocean
- New York → Liverpool, England, via Halifax
- 12,222 tons of Admiralty fuel oil
- 41
- 2
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- Not established
- Shallow-water wreck reportedly still visible above the surface at the bow shortly after sinking
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- 40.47° N 70.83° W
- Approximate position
- Montauk Point, Long Island, New York
Position reported in the U-123 war diary as 40 28'N, 70 50'W, roughly 60 miles from Montauk Point.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Documented (85/100)
uboat.net: Ships hit by German U-boats during WWII
Vessel specifications, attack sequence, casualties, rescue details.
Fire Island News: U-Boat 123 and the Atlantic Boat Wars
Regional context of the attack near Long Island.
