7.4.1937 Central Atlantic Corvo Island 39°43’N, 31°5’W 595th. day at sea
Schiff 30’s passage through the South Atlantic went smoothly, the raider crossed once equator once again on 23.3. two days later on 25.3. the Argentine Liner “Rio Plata” was sighted, the only ship sighted during the passage to the Azores. On 2.4. the Kommandant orders the camouflage of the ship changed to that of an anonymous British freighter:
Paint and camouflage of the ship:
1.) Outer hull black
2.) Superstructure and bridge white
3.) Smokestack black and length unchanged
4.) On deck ventilators, winches, etc. yellow
5.) Cargo booms put up
After an inspection by the Kommandant, Schiff 30 sailed for Corvo Island where the crew would get some much needed shore leave. On 6.4. Schiff 30 arrives off the Azores and anchors in 50 fathoms of water on the northern tip of Corvo Island. One V-Boot was launched for inspection of the hull. While Picket boats I-IV were used to ferry the off duty crew to shore and V-Boot Nr. II under the command of L.z.S(ing) Adams was sent ashore and was tasked with cutting trees down for timber.
During the time the raider was at Corvo Island it flew the British flag from her mainmast. The Kommandant, I. Offz., Navigation officers, and division officers held a conference for the next operational phase of the ship. On 18.4. the crew is recalled and a muster was held. All were present and accounted for.
The I. Offz. reported all decks ready to sail. At 0600 hrs. the ship departed for the Mediterranean Sea as Corvo Island disappeared over the horizon, the raids that would gain the merchant raider enduring fame were about to begin..................
Schiff 30 in the South Atlantic after crossing the equator.
Schiff 30 anchored Corvo Island