18.November
1939
Three german destroyers under the
command of Freg.Kpt. Erich Bey lay mines in the mouth of the Humber river. 7
other ships sunk.
The passenger liner „Simon Bolivar“, 8,309 tons of the Royal
Netherlands Steamship Company bound from Rotterdam to Tilbury, and then the
West Indies was about 25 miles from Harwich, approaching Longsand Head, when at
12.30 she hit a mine. She sank in shallow water with the funnels and masts
still showing. 130 people lost their lives, including Captain Voorspuiy.
Survivors were taken either to Harwich or to London by passing ships.
Throughout the night a search for survivors went on but no-one was found. The
injured were taken to Shotley Naval Hospital and Essex County Hospital at
Colchester.
„SS Blackhill“ (2492BRT) steamer, Tees from Salta Caballo, was
sunk by a mine in the Thames Estuary. One member of the crew died.