Collision with SS Murfreesboro
The Freighter El Coston rammed the tanker SS Murfreesboro while en convoy to Wales. The collision occured in rough seas and the ship's Master went missing shortly after the collision. El Coston's Chief Mate ordered the ship easterly until a morning inspection could be made. Upon inspection the bow was found to be stove in. ... Although an attempt was made to continue with an escort, recuring heavy seas caused a bulkhead to fail. The ship was abandoned. ... Six crew members and eight Naval Armed Guard were lost in the collision, three more crew members were lost when the ship sank.
