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Old 10-05-21, 12:52 PM   #138
Bubblehead1980
Navy Seal
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Florida USA
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Default SS-183 vs KIGAN MARU (TMO Update 2.5 BH)

TMO 2.5 Update
100 difficulty cams and contacts off.


Story of one of the more intense engagements have ever had with an unescorted merchant, for full patrol report, see the patrol reports and screenshots thread here. https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/sho...d.php?t=107786


USS Seal SS-183 departed Fremantle on 26 May 1942 at 0730 for Fourth War Patrol. Assigned to patrol Area B6 off Indochina in the South China Sea, Seal transited via Lombok, Makassar Straits, Sulu Sea, Balabac Strait.

At 0415 on 6 June 1942, while passing through Area D6 in South China Sea en route to assigned area, lookouts spotted a vessel bearing 330 6000 yards. Immediately turned to shadow until dawn and went to General Quarters-Torpedo.


At 0526 , submerged for dawn periscope attack. Target identified as KIGAN MARU 7390 tons. Target was on a course of 165 degrees at 9 knots. All stern tubes were readied and fired three MK 14 torpedoes from tubes 5,6, and 7 at 0553. Range 1000 yards, AOB 85 P , 1.5 degree spread on TDC knob. At 0553:35 torpedo (tube 5) prematurely detonated about 20 yards from target. This appeared to alert the target as it slowed and began to turned towards the Seal, caused the other two torpedoes to just barely miss ahead and aster of target respectively. Just after missing ahead, torpedo(tube 7) prematurely detonated off the starboard bow of target. Final torpedo reached its maximum range and end of run explosions was heard. KIGAN MARU increased speed and turned away preventing an immediate follow up attack. Note: Target was observed to have 4 inch guns for and aft.

At 0555 Surfaced, secured from General Quarters and raced at 10 NM off starboard side of target, tracking by its smoke, visible on horizon. All tubes reloaded. Ahead of target, submerged at 0808 for second attack. Called General Quarters Torpedo once submerged at 0815. At 0906 Seal was ahead of target, target changed course preventing a bow shot, turned off track for another stern shot. and at 0933 fired Tubes 5 and 6 at 1200 yards, as targets broadside exposed during its zig. First torpedo prematurely detonated and second passed right under the target. . The ship turned toward the Seal's periscope and fired forward deck gun and machine guns at scope. Ordered depth of 90 feet, soon the KIGAN MARU's props noises were audible through hull as it passed above.

Secured General Quarters, reloaded tubes and waited for enemy to clear area before surfacing for another end around. At 1403 surfaced into overcast skies, thunder, moderates winds, light but choppy seas and a light fog. Raced along last known course of KIGAN MARU at flank speed and made contact at 1419, spotting whips of smoke on horizon , in spite of the fog.

Submerged the boat in preparation for attack, but contact was not arriving as expecting. Target had changed course. Surfaced and began chasing to get ahead ad at 1442 spotted the KIGAN MARU in the fog at 7200 yards. KIGAN MARU spotted Seal, as opened fire with both deck guns, shells landing in the distance off Drum's stern and port side. Kigan Maru increased speed to 10 knots in opposite direction.

At 1531 SD radar had a contact at 9 NM closing fast. Seal submerged to 150 feet. Surfacing again at 1550, closed target s estimated location at high speed. SD contact was made but range steady, did not dive. The low visibility helped shield Seal from being spotted by the aircraft.

Submerged the boat at 1633 for attack. At 1637 all tubes were readied forward and at 1558 fired Tubes 1,2 at target from 1000 yards, both prematurely detonated shortly after arming. Fired tubes 3,4 as still have favorable set up. Torpedo 3 prematurely detonated, torpedo 4 impacted just of the stack, causing a large explosion. Engine noises on sound ceased. Enemy spotted Seal's scopes and began firing, dropped scope to move into position to finish vessel off with stern tubes. During the turn, passed 300 yards along side the enemy vessel and raised scope, which came under fire from deck guns and machine guns, dropped scope.

At 1721 fired Tube 6 from 900 yards. Torpedo impacted, setting off a large explosion and fire. Target began to sink, water lapping over the decks. At 1737, KIGAN MARU 7390 tons sunk at 8-54 N 113-36 E in South China Sea (Area D5) . Surfaced and continued on to patrol area after an action which lasted from contact to completion, 15 1/2 hours. The ship most of have been on of the merchants set to "elite" , as it was not the relatively easy prey lone merchants usually are with the radical course and speed changes and sharp eyed look outs. In future plan to add defensive depth charges(some merchants did carry them during the war) so use by lone merchants. I believe since will attack with guns to defend themselves, likely if player is close enough and they hear player sub on hydrophones (there are merchant hydrophones in the sensors of TMO ) would drop them. Plan to test soon.


Some screen shots from the battle. I had the external cam off so options were limited...












Pressing the firing plunger. to finish off the the KIGAN MARU

Last edited by Bubblehead1980; 10-06-21 at 02:15 AM.
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