This is a report dated July 24, 1942 from Ensign (Reserve) E. D. Henderson in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations on the sinking of SS ONEIDA.

Subject: Summary of Statements by Survivors of SS ONEIDA, US. Lake type freighter, 2664 G.T., owners Ford Motor Co., Operated by U. S. Government.

1. The ONEIDA was torpedoed without warning at 1210 EWT July 13, 1942 at 20*17'N - 74*06'W (11/2 miles North of Cape Maisi, Cuba) while enroute from San Juan, P.R., to Punta Gorda, Cuba, in ballast, drafts 13' aft, 6' forward. Ship sank by the stern within 3 minutes.

2. The freighter was on course 310 degrees true, speed 10 knots, not zigzagging, radio silent, 2 lookouts: 1 on the pilot house; 1 on the port bridge. The weather was fine, sea moderate, a light easterly wind, visibility good, daylight attack, no other ships in sight.

3. The track of the torpedo was seen about 300 feet from the ship and Captain ordered the wheel hard left; but the torpedo struck on the starboard at the waterline before avoiding action could be taken. The explosion breached 20 percent of the entire side of the ship, resulting in immediate and complete flooding of the ship and the ship quickly sank. It is estimated that the submarine was onehalf mile distant; bearing 220 degrees at right angles to starboard at the time of the attack. There was no time to send distress signals. Confidentials sank with the ship.

4. Of the 29 aboard, 23 were able to reach fife rafts, and 6 are believed to have drowned. The 23 survivors reached the shore 5 miles N.W. of Cape Maisi, walked to the Cape, and then proceeded by the Schooner ZOILA to Baracca, arriving on July 13, 1942.

5. Sub surfaced after ship sank and was a 1200 ton motor vessel, painted a light grey, with low flat-topped conning tower, high bow, low stem, appeared clean and undamaged, and was armed with 5" gun forward, smaller gun aft, and 2 machine guns in conning tower. A short mast was located forward. When last seen submarine was heading N.E. at a fast speed.

More U-166

U-166 Profile and History
Official US Coast Guard Reports of the Action: Introduction
US Coast Guard Report: July 31, 1942
US Coast Guard Report: August 1, 1942
Report: July 24, 1942 Sinking of the SS Oneida
Report: August 5, 1942 Sinking of the SS Oneida
Report: Summary of Statements from M/S Gertrude Survivors
Report: August 13, 1942 Sinking of the SS Robert E. Lee