I have been reviewing some recollections about the FLYING ENTERPRISE saga that the late Ken Dancy
(ref:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=3302) sent to me in 2005.
These reminded me that after only about three months in service the ADOLF LEONHARDT was caught up in those events.
Ken recalled: As far as I have been able to research, the first indication of the 1951 storm came from the other side of the Atlantic: the German freighter ADOLF LEONHARDT sailed from Norfolk, Virginia, on 17 December 1951 bound for Bremen. On the following day (18th) she reported being in a storm of wind force 11. About 10.00am on the 26th she reported that her rudder was gone. ... (tug) SEEFALKE reached the ADOLF LEONHARDT on 1 January 1952. ...
The American ship FLYING ENTERPRISE in the other direction from Rotterdam to New York ran into the same storm and reported being damaged on 25 December. On the 28th she reported being in a severe hurricane - situation grave - 30 degree port list - just drifting.
Seven other ships in the Western Approaches were in difficulties. IRENE OLDENDORFF was in the German Bight sailing from Emden for Sweden, but sank off Borkum without sending any distress signal. The wreck was found by divers about 4.00am on 31 December. .... Altogether 29 ships were in difficulties, of which seven were lost during the Christmas week.
Ron
