This is a report dated August 13, 1942 from the office of the Chief of Naval Operations on sinking of SS ROBERT E. LEE.

Subject: Summary of Statements of Survivors of SS ROBERT E. LEE U.S. Cargo-passenger vessel, 5184 G.T., owner Eastern Steamship Co., Operated by Alcoa Steamship Inc., as agents for the War Shipping Administration.

1. The ROBERT E. LEE was torpedoed without warning at 1630 CWT, July 30, 1942, at 28*40'N - 88*30'W, while enroute from Port of Spain to New Orleans (see note below) with 47 tons of general cargo consisting largely of the personal effects of the 270 passengers on board, most of whom were survivors of ships previously torpedoed-, drafts 14' fore, 17' aft. The vessel listed first to port, then to starboard, and sank within 15 minutes, plunging stern first.

2. The ship was on course 287 degrees true, speed 16 knots in 940 fathoms, not zigzagging, radio silent (see note below), 4 lookouts stationed one each on the bridge, forecastle head, wireless shack, and gun stand. The weather was clear, sea smooth, wind east, force 1, daylight attack with perfect visibility. The ship was escorted by PC 566 which was 1/2 mile ahead and 1/2 point off ship's port bow at the time of the attack.

3. The track of the torpedo was seen by several of the passengers and crew for approximately 200 yards before striking the ship. The torpedo was seen to approach the ship from the stem and paralleled the ship's course on starboard side. It was running close to the surface and those who saw it argued among themselves as to whether it was a porpoise or shark. After paralleling ship's course the torpedo made a 90 degree turn and struck the ship just aft of the engine room. The explosion completely destroyed the No. 3 hold, extending up through the "B" and "C" decks, the engines were put out of commission, steering gear damaged, and radio wrecked. Although armed no counter offensive offered. The escort vessel sighted the sub's periscope, also established sound contact, and dropped several depth charges with unknown results, although a small oil slick was observed in the vicinity where the periscope was last sighted. Distress signals were sent by the escort vessel and replies received. Confidentials sank with the ship, the codes being locked in an iron box.

4. The ship was abandoned in 6 lifeboats and 16 rafts; the survivors picked up by the escort vessel, and by SC 519 and the tug UNDERWRITER, and were landed at Venice, La. then transported by bus to New Orleans, where the injured were hospitalized. The ships compliment was: 131 crew, of which 2 are known dead and 8 are missing- 6 armed guard, all survived-, and 270 passengers, of which 3 are known dead and 12 missing. Total aboard: 407 of which 5 are known dead and 20 missing, the rest being saved.

(As we see, this is a rather lengthy report, so watch for the rest of it KTB #139 next month as we report on some of the media coverage of the loss of U-166 back then and also from years later. And where U- 166?)

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