[Bubblehead1980]

War Patrol Report
USS Seal SS-183
Sixth War Patrol
24 October-2 December 1942


A. Prologue

Returned from a abbreviated patrol on 11 October to Fremantle, Australia. Voyage repairs and refit, with loading of twenty-two MK 14 torpedoes completed. Ready for set 24 October 1942.


B. Narrative

Officers and CPO's for the Sixth War Patrol

Officers:
LCDR K.C. Hurd, USN. CO
LT I.T. Ryan, USN. XO
LT B.R.P. Digby, USN.
LT (jg) M.L. Lynch, USN.
Ens D.B. Thompson, USN.

Chief Petty Officers:
CMoMM D.R. Saunders, USN. Chief of the Boat
CTM T.B. Lee, USN.
CQM H.P. Hammond, USN.
CMoMM V.S. Balltantine, USN.
CMoMM M.A. Grady, USN.
CMoMM U.W. Clinton, USN.



24 October

1330 Departed Fremantle, Australia for patrol area Palau Islands via Darwin, Australia.

1630 Trim Dive

1700 Surfaced

25 October

0900-1150 Gunnery, dive, torpedo attack drills.

1400 Deep dive to 350 feet.

1500 Surfaced.


26 October

En route Darwin


27 October

En route Darwin

28 October

En route Darwin


29 October

En route Darwin

30 October

1500 Docked for refuel at Darwin, Australia.

1920 Departed Darwin for patrol area-Palau Islands via Arafura, Ceram, and Halmahera Seas.

31 October

En route patrol area.

1 November

En route patrol area

1900 Entered Ceram Sea


2 November

En route patrol area

1200 Entered Halmahera Sea

1629 SJ contact bearing 019 8.5 NM. 0-9N 129-13E.

1644 SJ contact is patrol vessel in the strait between Halmahera and Gebe Islands-avoided on surface.

3 November

0000 Exited Halmahera Sea, en route to patrol area.

1235 SJ contact bearing 063 8 NM 4-3 N 131-17 E. Set intercept course.

1238 Smoke spotted bearing 351. General Quarters-Torpedo. Submerged for attack.

1324 All stern tubes made ready for firing.

1330 (ATTACK NO. 1) Fired tubes 5,6,7.

1330:20 Torpedo (#5) prematurely exploded.

1330:31 Torpedo (#6) prematurely exploded.

1330:44 Torpedo (#7) wake observed running below target.

1330:51 Fired tube #8. Ordered to bring bow tubes to bear.

1331 Torpedo (#8) wake observed running below target.

1332:11 Torpedo exploded 300 yards off opposite side of target.

1340 Target proceeding on zig course 270° 7-8 knots. Reloading stern tubes, will surface for end around when clear.

1500 Surfaced for end around.

2010 Ahead of target, submerged for night time periscope attack w radar.

2025 All bow tubes made ready for firing.

2027 (TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 2) Fired tubes 1,2,3.

2027:58 Torpedo #1 prematurely exploded near target.

2028:01 Torpedo #2 impacted target, large secondary explosion. Believe hit boilers.

2028:06 Torpedo#3 impacted target. Large fires. Vessel went adrift, on fire.

2030 Vessel is burning and appears to be sinking.

2035 KOBAYASHI MARU 9980 tons sunk at 4-04 N 130-40 E.

2036 Surfaced. Secured General Quarters, ordered forward tubes reloaded, and set course for patrol area.


4 November

0400 Entered patrol area

0651 SD contact 8 NM closing fast. Submerged.

0652-1720 Conducted submerged patrol.

1730 Surfaced into heavy seas.


5 November

0541 SD contact 10 NM closing fast. Submerged.

0751 Surfaced.

1140 SD contact 8 NM closing. Submerged

1729 Surfaced.


6 November

0100 Sea conditions remain rough, with wind, overcast, and light fog limiting visibility.

0530 Weather cleared. Seas remain heavy.

0555 SD contact 11 NM range steady.

0600 Lost SD contact.

0730 SD contact 5.5 NM closing fast. Dive! Emergency depth 200 ft!

1200 Submerged at periscope depth. Extended SD radar mast contact at 6 NM. Ordered 250 ft.

1732 Surfaced.


7 November

0618 SD contact steady 7 NM.

0620:22 SD contact suddenly began closing rapidly.

0620:27 Spotted by lookouts bearing 223. Type: Twin engine medium bomber, likely BETTY.

0620:30 Dive! Depth 200 ft, Emergency!

1622 Distant props audible on sound bearing 323. Ordered periscope depth and course to investigate.

1630 At periscope depth, dusk, air patrols unlikely. Surfaced.

1650 SJ contact bearing 340 9 NM. 6-0 N 133-55 E. Set course 350 to close.

1704 Visually spotted DD bearing 343. General Quarters-Torpedo.

1722 Submerged for attack. Ordered depth 250 feet, close at high speed.

1734 Slowed speed. Seal ordered to periscope depth from 250 feet.

1735 Sound reported course change of contact, increasing speed, closing! Ordered halt to descent. Boat depth 196 ft, ordered to turn bow towards contact to minimize profile to active sonar beam.

1736 Pinging began.

1738 DD passed above, depth charge splashes audible.

1739 DC explosions. One close, boat shaken. Boat Depth 300 ft.

1743 DC explosions, close.

1747 DC explosions, close.

1755 Escort dropping charges further away, may have lost contact with Seal.

1758 DD passed above. DC splashes.

1759 DC explosions, astern.

1805 DD passing ahead, pinging.

1825 Last DC explosion.

1838 lost contact with DD.

1851 Believe DD is above in area, listening.

2250 Periscope depth. All clear.

2252 SJ radar depth. SJ contact bearing 168 degrees 6 NM. 6-9 N 133 50 E. Contact appears stationary, likely DD still listening for Seal. Secured Silent Running.

2255 Surfaced. Set course 340 to patrol West of Palau Islands.

2300 Secured General Quarters.


8 November

0626 SD contact 8 NM closing. Submerged.

1700 Surfaced


9 November

0500 Submerged 15 NM from Palau Harbor main entrance for patrol.

1158 Sound has distant props at 283 degrees. Turned to investigate.

1330 Sound is aux PC type vessel.

1400 Sound reports distant heavy props bearing 200. Turned to investigate.

1440 Smoke sighted bearing 358.

1441 SJ radar depth. SJ contact bearing 535 9 NM. General Quarters-Torpedo.

1502 Sound reports warship contact close to bearing of merchant currently closing. Possible escort for vessel as she approaches the harbor.

1507 Periscope depth. Slowed for observation. PC type escorting AK into harbor. Went to 250 feet for high speed closing.

1520 Report: Battery at 38 percent, had to slow to avoid draining as may need for prolonged evasion. Prepared for long range torpedo shot.

1524 AK appears to be of SEIA MARU class 7590 tons.

1530 All forward tubes made ready.

1532 (TORPEDO ATTACK NO.3) Fired tubes 1,2,3.

1533 Two premature detonations.

1535 Torpedo missed forward. Target alerted by premature explosions. Escort closing towards Seal. Rigged for Depth Charge and Silent Running. Went to 300 ft.

1544 Pinging.

1546 Close depth charge explosions. Boat shaken.

1600 Depth 382 ft. Very Close DC explosions. Boat shaken terribly. Damage Reported(See Damage Section)

1609 Close depth charge explosions. Damage (See Damage Section for complete liste) Report of leaks and flooding in aft torpedo room. DC party assigned.

1619 Leaks stopped in aft torpedo room. Flooding controlled. Pumping out water.

1620 Depth 400 ft.

1625 Close DC explosions. Damage (See damage section) (Forward torpedo's, CT, control room)

1637 Water pumped out of aft torpedo room.

1710 Lost contact with escort. Possibly running quiet to listen for Seal.

1758 Sound contact on escort bearing 128 , estimated range 6000 yards and opening.

2017 Battery power at twenty five percent. Ordered periscope depth.

2023 Periscope, Sound, and Radar are all clear. Secured Silent Running.

2026 Surfaced.

2030 Secured General Quarters. Set course west to open range from Palau Islands to commence inspection and repairs.

2200 Inspection reveals Stern tubes #6 and #7 non operational, repairs began immediately.

TM2 F.P. Ackerman (Aft Torpedo) medically relieved due to manic state.


10 November

0010 Battery Charge completed.

0526 SD contact 8 NM closing. Submerged 140 NM W of Palau.

1722 Periscope/Radar depth. All clear.

1730 Surfaced. Repairs on stern tubes #6 and #7 continue, still non operational.


11 November

0135 SJ contact bearing 052 9 NM. 7-8N 131-20 E. Increased speed to intercept.

0145 Engineering Officer reports Tubes #6 and #7 are now operational, just time as SJ contact developed into multiple. Likely a convoy.

0148 General Quarters-Torpedo

0149 Convoy sighted. 7-04 N 131-20 E Estimated and speed speed 096 degrees 9 knots. three AK, one possible one possible escort.

0200 Submerged for attack.

0205 Convoy appears unescorted, sailing in single column about 800 yards apart for protection. Leading is mid sized AK, next is large AO, followed by smaller AO, and a large AK. Target is large AO.

0208 After torpedo room reports stern tubes #6 and #7 loaded (torpedo remove for repairs)

0212 Made all bow tubes ready for firing. AO is riding low in water, likely loaded with fuel.

0221 (TORPEDO ATTACK NO. 4) Fired bow tubes 1,2,3,4.

0222:00 Torpedo impact! Massive explosion of AO as volatile fuel cargo set off.

0222:05 Torpedo impact! Massive secondary explosion. Tanker appeared to lift out of the water momentarily from the explosion. Seal shaken by the powerful shockwave.

0222:10 Unsure of hit, possible premature detonation but close to target.

0222:15 Torpedo missed, wake visible.

0222: Tanker is burning hulk, adrift

0226 GENYO MARU 11800 tons sunk at 7-04 N 131-20 E .

0230 unable to get shot at other vessels, all turned away at high speed.

0316 Area clear. Surfaced, laid out pursuit course for end around. Three remaining vessels are sailing together zig zag course 096 for mutual protection.

Secured General Quarters.

0541 SD contact 7 NM closing.

0626 Aircraft is searching area. Likely called in by convoy.

0712 Sound has props at bearing 325. Closing contacts.

0730 General Quarters-Torpedo.

0731 Periscope depth. Observed convoy in column course 096 9 knots. Ordered 75 ft and flank speed to gain firing position.

0742 Turned to bring stern tubes to bear. Ordered periscope depth.

0745 Mid sized AK, small AO, large AK in column 096 9 knots. Will attack large AK with stern tubes as it is armed. The smaller AK and AO do not have visible guns.

0751 convoy changed course ruining shot.

0843 Prepared to surface for end around, SD contact 10 NM. Convoys air cover. Ordered 200 feet. Seas a flat calm, clear, glassy.

0920 Surfaced. Flank speed for end around. Smoke from convoy visible estimated 12 NM. No SJ contacted at time.

0937 Regained SJ contact with convoy. Bearing 359 9 NM.


0946 SD contact 8 NM. Steady range.

0949 SD contact began rapidly closing. Dive! 200 feet, emergency!

0950 Through No.2 periscope during dive, observed large flying boat in a power glide towards Seal. Aircraft is H6K MAVIS patrol aircraft.

0954 Large explosions audible through hull. Likely aircraft dropping.

1104 Periscope depth. Extended SD radar mast for sweep. SD contact remaining in area, covering escape of convoy, preventing Seal from Surfacing. Ordered 200 feet, will check again at 1200.

1200 SD contact 8 NM

1300 SD contact 6 NM

1400 Clear. Surfaced

1500 SD contact 6 NM closing. Submerged.

1502 Explosions above.

1600 SD contact 11 NM closing.

1850 Night fall. SD radar clear.

1900 Surfaced.


12 November

0600 SD contact 10 NM closing. Submerged.

1800 Surfaced



13 November

0618 SD contact 10 NM closing. Submerged.

1714 Surfaced.



14 November

0458 SD contact 10 NM closing. Submerged.

1700 Surfaced



15 November

0516 SD contact range 6 NM steady.

0523 Lost SD contact.

0814 SD contact 12 NM closing.

0816 SD contact at 9 NM closing fast. Submerged.

1300 Engineering Officer reports all damage from 9 November depth charge attack repaired. Torpedo tubes #6 and #7 now fully repaired.

1730 Surfaced.



16 November

0509 Submerged for patrol in southern approaches to Palau SW of Angaur Island.

1425 Sound reports multiple distant props, closing bearing 293. Turned to intercept. Went to SJ radar depth.

1516 Smoke spotted bearing 005 degrees. General Quarters-Torpedo.

1530 Convoy five AK one DD departing southern exit Palau Anchorage. Went to 200 ft for high speed run to close range. Went to 200 feet for high speed run to close range.

1612 Targeting both AK in starboard column. All forward tubes made ready.

1614:55 (TORPEDO ATTACK NO 5) Fired tubes 1 and 2 at Target #1

1615:05 Fired tubes 3 and 3 at Target #2

1617 Torpedoes missed. All tracked properly but passed below target, observed wakes. Turned for stern shot.

1620:05 Fired Tubes 5,6

1620:10 fired tubes 7,8 All torpedoes expended.

1625 All torpedoes missed .

1626 DD closing fast bearing 180. Ordered 250 ft, Rigged for Silent Running and Depth Charge.

1635 Depth charge explosions astern.

1636 DD passed above. DC explosions. Boat depth 275 ft.

1804 Last DC explosion. Enemy went silent after, likely listening.

2245 Sound reports warship leaving area at high speed.

2306 Periscope Depth. All clear

2307 Radar depth for SJ sweep. All clear. Secured General Quarters and Silent Running. Prepared to surface.

2330 Surfaced. All torpedoes expended. Set course for Pearl Harbor per orders.



17 November

En route Pearl Harbor.

0603 SD contact 10 NM closing. Submerged.

1800 Surfaced.

18 November

En route Pearl Harbor.

1222 SD contact 7 NM. Submerged

1800 Surfaced.



19 November

En route Pearl Harbor



20 November

En route Pearl Harbor

1118 SD contact 260 NM SSE of Guam. Submerged.

1513 Surfaced.

21 November
En route Pearl Harbor


22 November
En route Pearl Harbor


23 November

En route Pearl Harbor

24 November
En route Pearl Harbor

25 November
En route Pearl Harbor

26 November

1239 SD contact 10 NM closing. 360 NM SE Wake Island. Submerged to avoid

1500 Surfaced.


27 November

En route Pearl Harbor

28 November

En route Pearl Harbor

29 November
En route Pearl Harbor

30 November
En route Pearl Harbor

1 December

En route Pearl Harbor


2 December

1000 Arrived Pearl Harbor Submarine Base, T.H. Terminated patrol.


C Weather

Weather during transit and during time in patrol area was quite favorable. A few sporadic storms and episodes of heavy seas with fog but overall, nature cooperated on this patrol


D Tides

Tidal activity was consistent with that previously reported in patrol area.


E Attack Data


Number of Torpedo Attacks Conducted 5
Number of ships sunk 2
Number of ships damaged 0
Number of ships probably sunk 0
Number ships probably damage 0

Torpedoes on board ( start of patrol ) 22
Torpedoes Expended 22


Ships sunk by torpedo.

NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

1)KOBAYASHI MARU AK 9980 3 September 1942 2035 4-04 N 130-40 E 330 NM SSW of Palau Islands

2)GENYO MARU AO 11800 11 November 1942 0226 7-04 N 131-20 E 210 NM WSW of Palau Islands




Torpedo Attack Data War Patrol Six USS Seal

USS Seal SS-183 War Patrol Six Torpedo Attack No. 1 Date: 3 November 1942 Time: 1330 Location:4-3 N 131-18E 305 NM SSE of Palau Islands.


Description

Lone AK detected on SJ radar en route to patrol area.


Ships Sunk
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Ships Damaged
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Ships Probably Sunk
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Torpedo Attack No. 1 Target No.1 Data (at firing)

Target No. 1
Name/Class KOBAYASHI MARU
Type AK
Tons 9980
Range 1100 yards
AOB 89° P
Bearing 189°
True Bearing 11°
Course 270°
Speed 8 knots
Zig? No
Remark
AK has large guns, estimated to be four or five inch mounted forward, aft, and one each side, similar to an auxiliary cruiser.



Torpedo Attack No. 1 Torpedo Data (at firing)


Tube#5
Type MK 14
Serial No.47371
Gyro 358 L
Track 81 P
Course 181°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5000
Method Single bearing TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Prematurely detonated.


Tube#6
Type MK 14
Serial No.47992
Gyro 358 L
Track 81° P
Course 181°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5003
Method Single bearing TDC with spread.
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 2°
Detonator Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Prematurely detonated



Tube#7
Type MK 14
Serial No.41373
Gyro 358 L
Track 81° P
Course 181°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5000
Method Single bearing TDC with spread
Firing Interval
Spread 2° starboard
Detonator Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI MOT
Erratic Yes[X] No[]
Remark
Torpedo ran deeper than set. Wake observed passing below target. Torpedo detonated itself off starboard side of target.


Tube#8
Type MK 14
Serial No.43934
Gyro 100° L
Track 78° P
Course 183°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5009
Firing Interval 0
Spread 0°
Detonator Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[X] No[]
Remark
Torpedo wake observed passing below target. Torpedo ran deeper than set. Torpedo exploded shortly after passing below target, on opposite side.


Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 54 ft
Course 180°
Speed 2 knots
AOB 89° P

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


USS Seal SS-183 War Patrol Six Torpedo Attack No. 2 Date: 3 November 1942 Time:2027 Location: 4-04 N 130-40 E 330 NM SSE of Palau Islands.


Description

Follow up to Torpedo Attack No. 1 after end around. Night time periscope attack, using SJ at radar depth (40 ft) for tracking.


Ships Sunk
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

KOBAYASHI MARU AK 9980 3 September 1942 2035 4-04 N 130-40 E 330 NM SW of Palau Islands

Ships Damaged
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Ships Probably Sunk
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Torpedo Attack No.2 Target No.1 Data (at firing)


Name/Class KOBAYASHI MARU
Type AK
Tons 9980
Range 900 yards
AOB 84° S
Bearing 356°
True Bearing 182°
Course 272°
Speed 8 knots
Zig? Yes (initially, ceased before firing )
Remark
AK has large guns, estimated to be four or five inch mouted forward, aft, and one each side, similar to an auxiliary cruiser.

Believe enemy vessel was carrying ammunition dye to large explosions and repeated, abnormally large explosions upon sinking. Multiple ammo crates and remains of crates seeing floating in water. One life boat spotted indicating very few crew survived the conflaguration.


Torpedo Attack No. 2 Torpedo Data (at firing)


Tube#1
Type MK 14
Serial No.47398
Gyro 7°L
Track 95° S
Course 193°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5201
Method Single bearing TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Torpedo prematurely detonated near target.



Tube#2
Type MK 14
Serial No.45435
Gyro 7°L
Track 95° S
Course 193°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5445
Method Single bearing TDC with spread
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 2° starboard
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[X] No[]
POI Admidships, Forward
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Torpedo hit caused massive explosion with a large residual fire. Believe impacted boilers.

Tube#3
Type MK 14
Serial No.47398
Gyro 7°L
Track 95° S
Course 193°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5201
Method Single bearing TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 2° Port
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[]
POI Aft of stack
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Second hit on target appeared to finish the job, as she quickly lost way with another large fire starting. Target began to settle in the water quickly.


Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 54 ft
Course 185°
Speed 1 knot
AOB 84° S

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



USS Seal SS-183 War Patrol Six Torpedo Attack No. 3 Date: 9 November 1942 Time:1532 Location:7-42 N 135 24 E 12 Nm WNW of Palau Islands.


Description

While on submerged patrol for traffic departing and approaching North Entrance to Palau anchorage, sound made contact on lone AK, confirmed by radar. Turned to began high speed aproach. Sound later made contact on a PC type vessel, apparently a escort sent out to guide vessel in.



Ships Sunk
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION
None


Ships Damaged
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Ships Probably Sunk
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Torpedo Attack No.3 Target No.1 Data (at firing)


Name/Class SEIA MARU
Type AK
Tons 7590
Range 3929 yards
AOB 81° P
Bearing 022°
True Bearing 286°
Course 178°
Speed 9 knots
Zig? No
Remark
Initially unescorted, a PC type vessel soon appeared, likely sent from harbor to escort vessel in.


Torpedo Attack No. 3 Torpedo Data (at firing)


Tube#1
Type MK 14
Serial No.47316
Gyro 5°L
Track 97° P
Course 260°
Depth 3 ft
Speed Low
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5235
Method Single bearing
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Premature detonation


Tube#2
Type MK 14
Serial No.44316
Gyro 5°L
Track 97° P
Course 260°
Depth 3 ft
Speed Low
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5229
Method Single bearing
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Preature detonation




Tube#3
Type MK 14
Serial No.48313
Gyro 5°L
Track 97° P
Course 260°
Depth 3 ft
Speed Low
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5587
Method Single bearing
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI Aft of stack
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Missed ahead of target, target slowed and made zig due to being alerted by two previous premature explosions


Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 54 ft
Course 262°
Speed 2 knots
AOB 81° P


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------





USS Seal SS-183 War Patrol Six Torpedo Attack No. 4 Date: 11 November 1942 Time:0222 Location:7-05 N 131 18 E 208 NM WSW of Palau Islands.


Description

SJ contact on unescorted convoy at 9 NM. Submerged for night time periscope/radar attack.


Ships Sunk
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION
GENYO MARU AO 11800 11 November 1942 0226 7-04 N 131-20 E

Verified by:

Observed via No. 2 periscope two torpedoes impact tanker admiships and aft, causing massive explosion of fuel that ripped vessel apart, leaving it a floating, burning hulk. Observed burning vessel sink less than ten minutes later.

Ships Damaged
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Ships Probably Sunk
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Torpedo Attack No.4 Target No.1 Data (at firing)

Name/Class GENYO MARU
Type AO
Tons 11800
Range 974 yards
AOB 89° P
Bearing 11°
True Bearing 194°
Course 096°
Speed 9 knots
Zig? No
Remark
Large guns forward and aft visiible.

Torpedo Attack No. 4 Torpedo Data (at firing)


Tube#1
Type MK 14
Serial No.37316
Gyro 360°L
Track 100° P
Course 183°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.4242
Method Single bearing=TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[X] No[]
POI MOT
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Torpedo impact caused a massive explosion of the tankers volatile cargo.


Tube#2
Type MK 14
Serial No.37339
Gyro 360°L
Track 100° P
Course 183°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.4267
Method Single bearing-TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[X] No[]
POI Aft, stack.
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Torpedo impact was the "icing on the cake" causing another massive explosion and fires. Tanker left a burning, drifitng hulk.


Tube#3
Type MK 14
Serial No.37919
Gyro 360°L
Track 100° P
Course 183°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.4391
Method Single bearing-TDC spread
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 2° starboard
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Torpedo prematurely detonated close to target, initially judged as a hit. Detonated possibly due to proximity of massive explosions caused by impacts of torpedoes #1 and #2 triggered the exploder .


Tube#4
Type MK 14
Serial No.30919
Gyro 360°L
Track 100° P
Course 183°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.4491
Method Single bearing - TDC spread.
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 2° port
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Torpedo missed ahead of target, likely due to target slowing, losing way after first two hits. Torpedo reached end of run. No end of run explosion heard.



Own Ship Data (at firing)

Depth 54 ft
Course 185°
Speed 2 knots
AOB 89° P


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



USS Seal SS-183 War Patrol Six Torpedo Attack No. 5 Date: 16 November 1942 Time:1614 Location: 6-58 N 133-55 E 15 NM WSW of Angaur Island, Palau Islands.


Description

While patrolling southern approaches to Palau anchorage off Angaur Island, sound detected prop noises, which upon investigation developed into a convoy of five AK, one DD departing the anchorage. First visual contact was made on smoke plumes at about 11 NM, followed by SJ contact (upon reaching radar depth) at 9 NM.


Ships Sunk
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION
None


Ships Damaged
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Ships Probably Sunk
NAME/CLASS TYPE TONS DATE TIME LOCATION

None

Torpedo Attack No.5 Target No.1 Data (at firing)

Target#1
Name/Class ZINBU MARU
Type AK
Tons 5186
Range 2081 yards
AOB 79° S
Bearing 332°
True Bearing 117°
Course 228°
Speed 9 knots
Zig? No
Remark
Trailing AK starboard column

Target#2
Name/Class MOMOYAMA MARU
Type AK
Tons 4037
Range 1900
AOB 90° P
Bearing 002°
True Bearing 147°
Course 228°
Speed 9 knots
Zig? No
Remark
Lead AK starboard column.




Torpedo Attack No. 5 Torpedo Data (at firing)


Tube#1
Type MK 14
Serial No.31311
Gyro 341 R
Track 79°S
Course 126°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.5848
Method Single bearing-TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Observed wake run below target, but failed to detonate.Suspected torpedo ran deep, in spite of minimal depth setting.



Tube#2
Type MK 14
Gyro 341 R
Track 79°S
Course 126°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.2763
Method Single bearing-TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark


Tube#3
Type MK 14
Serial No.41371
Gyro 14° R
Track 103°S
Course 159°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.4448
Method Single bearing-TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI MOT
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Observed wake run below target, but failed to detonate.Suspected torpedo ran deep, in spite of minimal depth setting.


Tube#4
Type MK 14
Gyro R
Track °S
Course °
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.4763
Method Single bearing-TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread °
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Observed wake run below target, but failed to detonate.Suspected torpedo ran deep, in spite of minimal depth setting.

(Stern Tubes)
Tube#5
Type MK 14
Serial No.61311
Gyro 021 R
Track 30°S
Course 141°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.3948
Method Single bearing-TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Observed wake run below target, but failed to detonate.Suspected torpedo ran deep, in spite of minimal depth setting.

Tube#6
Type MK 14
Gyro 021 R
Track 30°S
Course 141°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.2763
Method Single bearing-TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark


Tube#7
Type MK 14
Serial No.41371
Gyro 021 R
Track 30°S
Course 141°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.4448
Method Single bearing-TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread 0°
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI MOT
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Observed wake run below target, but failed to detonate.Suspected torpedo ran deep, in spite of minimal depth setting.


Tube#8
Type MK 14
Serial No. 51339
Gyro 025 R
Track 38°S
Course 147°
Depth 3 ft
Speed High
Detonator MK 6
Serial No.1763
Method Single bearing-TDC
Firing Interval 5 seconds
Spread °
Detonator Contact [] Magnetic[X]
Actual Actuation Contact [] Magnetic[]
POA MOT
Hit Yes[] No[X]
POI ---
Erratic Yes[] No[X]
Remark
Observed wake run below target, but failed to detonate.Suspected torpedo ran deep, in spite of minimal depth setting.


Own Ship Data (at firing)

Bow shots:

Target#1
Depth 54 ft
Course 145°
Speed 2 knots
AOB 79° S


Target#2
Depth 54 ft
Course 145°
Speed 2 knots
AOB 90° S



Stern shots.


Target#1
Depth 54 ft
Course 320°
Speed 4 knots
AOB 97° S


Target#2
Depth 54 ft
Course 314°
Speed 4 knots
AOB 110° S
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

E Major Defects and Damage

9 November 1942 - Depth Charge Attack #2

Several close depth charges during this attack caused serious damage.

1. Bulkhead damage and leaks with moderate flooding up to three feet of water in after torpedo room.

2. Stern tubes #5,#6, #7, #8, all damaged. Tubes #6,#7 were heavily damaged and left inoperable for several days, and took five days to completely repair.

3. Port prop shaft knocked out of alignment causing excessive noise for rest of the patrol and inability to make above 19.2 knots.

4.Dive planes transmission

5. Rudder transmission

6. No.1 No. 3 diesel engines

7.No. 2 and N. 4 electric engines

8. Aft batteries

9. Numerous water piping and air lines leaks throughout boat.

10. Leaks with minor flooding in conning tower

11. SJ radar cabinet

12.Hydraluic pump

13. Trim pump

14. Compressor

15.Forward batteries.

16. Port sonar head hoist

17. Bow dive planes transmission.

18. Radio Antenna

19.No.1 periscope head

20. No 2 periscope head.


Remarks

Flooding was quickly contained by a depth of 410 feet was reached during these efforts by the damage control party, before control restored.

Most damage was repaired within 72 hours. However, torpedo tubes #6 and #7 remained inoperable for some time and were not fully repaired until five days later due to heavy damage

.
F Anti-Submarine Countermeasures


The main ASW acitvity in Palau area was conducted via air patrols, which proved effective to some degree. Daily air patrols arrived shortly after dawn and patrolled the shipping approaches , while also responding to distress calls from vessels attack. After first attack and sinking on 3 November, aircraft arrived on scene shortly after, actively searching for Seal. On 16 November, aircraft responded at dawn after Seal's attack on an unescorted convoy in the night and successfully prevented follow up attacks.

Enemy sonar and depth chrge tactics were about the same as previously encountered, overall. However, the 9 November attack was as demonstrated by accuracy, persistence, and damage caused to Seal conducted by a first rate vessel, disgused as a unassuming auxillary type subchaser, sent out to escort a freighter into the Palau anchorage.


The 7 November attack on the destroyer was spoiled by alertness of target, which detected Seal as she approached at deep submergence. The attack was ultimately ineffective, but impressive nonthelesss.



G Radar


SJ Radar performance was excellent, typically detecting targets at 9-10 NM.


SD Radar performance was overall excellent as well. Typical detection of aircraft at range of 8-10 NM.



H Radio

Radio performance was normal, however it did somewhat diminish after the radio was damaged durng the depth charge attack of 9 November.



I Mines

No enemy mines were encountered on this patrol.



J Sound Gear and Conditions

Sound gear functioned well overall, with targets being passively picked up at unexpected range, estimated to be in excess of ten nautical miles, enabling contact and attacks to be made.

Sound conditions were ideal in area, likely contributing the effectiness of the enemy's depth charge attacks.


K Thermal Layers

Thermal layers were detected at depths of 90-260 feet.



L Gunnery

No gun actions took place on this patrol.



M Personnel

After six patrols, the crew is a well trained, veteran submarine crew, and performed as is expected.

A total of fourteen crew members suffered minor injuries in the depth charge attack of 9 November.

TM2 F. P. Ackerman was relieved for combat fatigue during the attack after the damage and flooding in After torpedo room. Ackerman, with solid performance until this incident was restored to duty within the week but has since been reassigned pending medical evaluation.


N. Health and Habitability

Health and Habitability of the boat was overall excellent.



O. Miles Steamed/Fuel Consumed

Miles Gallons
Fremantle to Darwin 2258 29887
Darwin to Patrol Area 1451 20545
Patrol Area to Pearl Harbor 4514 41241



P. Duration
Days
Fremantle to Darwin 6.5
Darwin to Patrol Area 3.5
Days in Patrol Area 13
Patrol Area to Pearl Harbor 14
Days submerged 11
Total days on patrol 37


Q Navigational Aids


No Navigational aids were observed in patrol area.


R Enemy Radar and Radio Countermeasures

No known countermeasures to radar were encountered. Radio countermeasures were the usual attempts of jamming, masqeruading as Allied operators, but none were successful.


S Factors in Endurance

Torpedoes 0
Fuel 32,931 gallons
Food 24 days

Reason for termination of patrol: All torpedoes expended.


T Remarks

Torpedo malfunctions continue to plague Seal after six patrols. The most noted problem is premature detonations of torpedoes, followed by torpedoes running deep in spite of minimal depth settings, preventing hits.

Five out of twenty two torpedoes functioned properly on this patrol.

Upon reaching Pearl Harbor, Seal was ordered to San Francisco for a much overhaul and refit, for after six straight patrols, her material condition, while adequate leaves much to be desired for a fighting vessel. With regret, after six patrols at the helm, this was my final patrol in command of Seal, as have been assigned to new construction.