The Empire Parsons was on her maiden voyage as one of a Westbound convoy from Tyne to Baltimore when she went ashore in darkness on the East side of Stroma at Scarton Point. The crew of 52 were rescued by Stroma LSA breeches-buoy during a south-east gale with sleet and rain and and lodged in the island's school before being sent to the mainland when the weather moderated.
The steamer was driven further ashore and rapidly became a total loss. The wreck was subsequently taken over by Metal Industries and broken up.
As the Empire Parsons was leading the convoy it was in fact lucky that none of the other 35 ships suffered a similar fate but they were warned off by Stroma coastguards.
The Empire Parsons was built in October October 1941 by Gray and Company, West Hartlepool. She was 129m long by 17m wide and 6741 gross tons.
Possible position 58 40 25N, 03 06 00W.
The steamer was driven further ashore and rapidly became a total loss. The wreck was subsequently taken over by Metal Industries and broken up.
As the Empire Parsons was leading the convoy it was in fact lucky that none of the other 35 ships suffered a similar fate but they were warned off by Stroma coastguards.
The Empire Parsons was built in October October 1941 by Gray and Company, West Hartlepool. She was 129m long by 17m wide and 6741 gross tons.
Possible position 58 40 25N, 03 06 00W.