IMO 5608187

ANNELIESE ESSBERGER built by Deutsche Werft, Hamburg-Finkenwerder. Launched 23.10.1935, completed 19.12.1935, yard no. 164. Length 127,6 m, beam 17,4 m, 1 diesel 13 knots. During WW II she was a so called "Tross-Schiff" with armement 1 x 10,5 cm, 2 x 2 cm Flak. Self scuttled 21/11/42 400 miles east off St. Paul Rocks on position 00°54'N - 22°34'W to avoid capture by US Navy cruiser USS Milwaukee (CL-5). 62 Survivors. German Anneliese Essberger as a blockade runner had the function to provide fuel to the U-boats in vast Mid-Atlantic areas as well as other supplies for their necessities like food fresh water and ammunition. On Nov 42 she raised anchors at the French port of Bordeaux for a long uncertain trip to Kobe Japan. Her fortunes were in low when a few days later she was spotted in the South Atlantic off Brazilian coast by ships of the US Fourth Fleet Recife. Despite all ruses tried by the German master to elude and evade the US ships, the same went to the bottom leaving 62 captured crewmembers. US vessels dashed to Recife and the prisoners were handed over to Brazilian authorities of the 7th Military region. After being interrogated at the Brazilian Army Derby headquarters the same remained there until July 43 when they were transferred to Rio de Janeiro by ship.