Baependi Sinking: A Survivor's Account of the Torpedo Attack
The sinking of the Baependi remains a harrowing chapter of maritime history, captured in the vivid recollections of those who survived the catastrophe. One of the most detailed accounts comes from Captain Lauro Moutinho dos Reis, an artillery officer whose description of the event was published in 1948 within Seleções de Seleções, a collection of articles from the magazine Seleções do Reader's Digest.
The account provides a visceral look at the chaos and terror that ensue when a vessel is suddenly targeted by torpedoes, transforming a quiet night at sea into a desperate struggle for survival.
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Key Facts
- Witness: Captain Lauro Moutinho dos Reis, an artillery officer.
- Publication: Published in 1948 in Seleções de Seleções.
- Location: Approximately 20 miles from the coast.
- Cause of Sinking: Two torpedo strikes occurring within 30 seconds of each other.
- Vessel: The Baependi.
The First Strike: Sudden Chaos
The disaster began late at night while the ship was sailing in total darkness, roughly 20 miles from the coastline. The silence was shattered by a "tremendous bang" that violently shook the vessel. The force of the explosion caused windows to shatter and woodwork to crack, sending shards of glass and wood flying through the air, injuring several passengers.
The impact caused the ship's machinery to stop and steam to abruptly change course, throwing passengers forward due to inertia (the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion). In the immediate aftermath, a heavy silence fell over the passengers as they struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
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The Struggle for Survival
Captain Reis, positioned in the vestibule near the stairs leading to the upper deck and lower cabins, immediately intuited that the ship had been torpedoed. As the Baependi began to heel over—tilting to one side—the ship's whistle sounded a desperate call for help.
The scene in the hallways was one of desperation and confusion:
- Some passengers, particularly women and children, remained frozen in shock.
- Others moved feverishly, searching for a way to escape.
- Many attempted to descend to lower cabins to find lifeboats or reunite with family, though many of these individuals never returned.
The Second Torpedo and the Final Descent
As Captain Reis climbed the ladder toward the top deck to locate a lifeboat, a second torpedo struck. This second explosion occurred less than 30 seconds after the first and acted as the coup de grace (a final blow that ends a struggle). The blast tore through the ship, destroying the railings and throwing the Captain backward down the stairs toward the mess hall.
With the lights extinguished, the interior of the ship became a place of deep darkness and disorientation. The vessel heaved considerably, making it impossible for anyone to walk upright. A suffocating, nauseating smell from the explosions filled the air as the Baependi entered its final stages of sinking.
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The Escape
In the pitch black, Captain Reis groped his way along the ledges of a ladder, desperate to reach a door at the top of the staircase. By the time he reached the exit, the ship had tilted so severely that the walls had effectively become the floor. He describes his exit as being similar to passing through a ceiling opening in a house, narrowly escaping the vessel before it vanished beneath the waves.
Summary of the Baependi Incident
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Source | Captain Lauro Moutinho dos Reis |
| Distance from Coast | ~20 miles |
| Number of Torpedoes | 2 |
| Time Between Strikes | Less than 30 seconds |
| Key Outcome | Rapid sinking of the Baependi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provided the account of the Baependi sinking?
The account was written by Captain Lauro Moutinho dos Reis, an artillery officer who survived the disaster.
Where was the ship when it was attacked?
The Baependi was sailing approximately 20 miles from the coast when the attack occurred.
How many torpedoes hit the ship?
The ship was struck by two torpedoes, with the second explosion occurring roughly 30 seconds after the first.
What happened to the passengers who went to the lower cabins?
According to Captain Reis, those who struggled down to the lower cabins in search of lifeboats or family members generally did not return.
How did the ship's orientation change as it sank?
The ship heeled over so severely that the interior geometry shifted, eventually resulting in walls becoming floors as the vessel sank.