description SS Athenia Overview
The SS Athenia was a British transatlantic passenger liner operated by the Donaldson Line. On September 3, 1939, the same day Britain declared war on Germany, the ship was torpedoed by the German submarine U-30 while carrying passengers from Glasgow to Montreal. The attack resulted in the deaths of 117 people, including 28 Americans, making the SS Athenia the first British vessel sunk by enemy action during World War II.
help SS Athenia FAQ
When and by what vessel was the SS Athenia sunk?
The SS Athenia was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-30 on September 3, 1939. This attack occurred on the exact same day that Britain and France declared war on Germany, marking the first British ship lost in the Battle of the Atlantic.
What was the passenger route of the SS Athenia when it was attacked?
The ship was operating a standard transatlantic passenger route, traveling from Glasgow, Scotland, to Montreal, Canada, via Belfast and Liverpool. It was carrying hundreds of civilian passengers, many of whom were women and children fleeing the impending conflict in Europe, when it was attacked northwest of Ireland.
How many casualties resulted from the sinking of the SS Athenia?
The torpedoing of the SS Athenia resulted in the deaths of 117 individuals, including a number of Americans. Despite the passenger casualties, the majority of the ship's complement survived thanks to the rapid response of rescue vessels summoned to the distress signal.
Which shipping line operated the SS Athenia?
The SS Athenia was a passenger liner operated by the Donaldson Line, a Scottish shipping company based in Glasgow. Before its wartime sinking, the ship was primarily used for commercial passage between Britain and Canada, serving both tourist and immigrant travelers.
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