SS Tilawa: The Indian Titanic

Описание: During World War II, the SS Tilawa, a 125-meter (410-foot) ship owned by the British India Steam Navigation Company, was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine near the Seychelles Islands.

The ship, which departed for Africa, carried 222 crew members, 732 passengers, and 4 gunners. It had 9 lifeboats and over 6,000 tons of cargo, including 60 tons of silver bullion. Constructed in Tyne (England), it served the purpose of transporting Indian nationals during a period when passenger boats had ceased operations due to the war.

On November 23, 1942, the SS Tilawa was hit by two torpedoes, causing it to sink rapidly. While some passengers were unable to escape, others resorted to jumping or being thrown overboard in a desperate attempt to find safety. Mr. E.B. Duncan, the ship’s first radio officer, managed to transmit SOS messages before losing his life as the ship went down.

The survivors found themselves in lifeboats, facing numerous challenges, including limited provisions, extremely cold weather and choppy sea. However, on the morning of November 25, a small plane and the HMS Birmingham came to their rescue. The survivors were taken aboard, where they received immediate medical attention and provisions.

Out of the total survivors, 678 were rescued by the HMS Birmingham, while four Indian seamen were saved by the SS Carthage. Ultimately, the survivors safely returned to the port in Bombay on November 27, 1942.

The 80th commemoration of the SS Tilawa was held in Mumbai on November 23, 2022. It was hosted by Mr. Mukesh R. Solanki and Mr. Emile Solanki, who were descendants of the late Mr. Nichhabhai Chibabhai Solanki, who drowned in the incident.

Sources:

Sites:
•sstilawa.com
•tilawa1942.com
•thisday.app
•The Print
•BBC

YouTube:
•SS TILAWA 1942 | THE FORGOTTEN TRAGEDY
•Daniel Henry

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