At approximately 0230 hours on 10 July 1943, while waiting for the landing of troops to begin
at Licata, Sicily, the SWANSON picked up two fast moving surface targets on her SG radar which
appeared to be hostile patrol or motor torpedo boats from Port Empedocle. The SWANSON by
dimmed blinker tube visual message ordered the ROE to take station astern of the SWANSON
and (Form 18 Speed 4) set off at full speed in pursuit of the unidentified craft. When range closed
to 1500 yards and the SWANSON was about to open fire, the ROE apparently misjudging
SWANSONS course and speed, appeared out of the darkness on the port bow coming in fast
and rammed head on into the port side of #1 Fire room of the SWANSON. Both ships were at full
speed when the collision occurred .As a result of this collision the SWANSON was heavily damaged.
#1 Fire room was completely flooded with the main decks almost aswash.
SWANSON was able to control further flooding, beat off an enemy air attack, and retire to Malta
for temporary repairs before proceeding home later in July to the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Click picture for a larger image ::
USS Roe seen in drydock after collision with the Swanson.
