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Trawlers

Trawlers
Trawler
Trawler Sogliola

The first of the Italian trawlers used by the Xa Flottiglia MAS is built in 1924 by the Schiffs und Dockbauwerft AG Flender shipyard in Lübeck, Germany. The vessel is powered by a 452-horsepower triple-expansion steam engine driving a single propeller, allowing a maximum speed of 9.5 knots. Its specifications include a gross registered tonnage of 306.82 This trawler has a length of 44.99 metres, a beam of 7.43 metres, and a draught of 3.73 metres.

The Trawler Sogliola, owned by Società Anonima Pesca Atlantica and registered in the Maritime Compartment of Trieste (serial 402), is requisitioned by the Regia Marina on May 24th, 1940. Designated F 111, it is initially assigned to pilotage duties.

In early 1942, the Sogliola is transferred to Xa Flottiglia MAS and undergoes modifications at the La Spezia Dockyards to enable the transport of surface assault craft. It can now carry three Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato or four Motoscafo Turismo Modificato boats. In July 1942, it sails from La Spezia to Tobruk with four explosive motorboats aboard, arriving alongside the Costanza. The MTMs are then deployed as part of the “Giobbe land convoy.” After completing its mission in North Africa, the Sogliola returns to Italy in September.

On May 2nd, 1943, while en route to northern Sardinia after delivering Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato assault craft to Carloforteat the Isola di San Pietro near Sardia, the Sogliola is intercepted by the H.M.S. Safari, under the command of Lieutenant R.B. Lakin, DSO, DSC.

At 08:00 hours, H.M.S. Safari sights the Sogliola coast crawling northward. The submarine closes in to intercept. At 08:57 hours, H.M.S. Safari surfaces approximately 460 metres off the Sogliola’s port quarter and opens fire with its 3-inch deck gun. Over the course of the engagement, 26 rounds are fired, achieving 25 hits, most of which strike the vessel’s waterline. The Italian crew abandons ship as the coaster sustains critical damage.

By 09:05 hours, H.M.S. Safari dives, and at 10:26 hours, the Sogliola is observed sinking at position 41°05’N, 08°15’E. Of her crew of 35, one is killed, and five are reported missing.

Trawler Cefalo

The Trawler Cefalo, owned by Lucio Ercole and registered in the Maritime Compartment of Naples (serial 406), is requisitioned by the Regia Marina on July 10th, 1942 in La Spezia. Converted to transport surface assault craft, it embarks Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato 220 and 230 along with their crews a few days later. Using nets and fishing gear to conceal its cargo, the vessel operates in the waters between the Balearics and the Iberian Peninsula, searching for Allied naval activity. Despite its efforts, no targets are encountered during missions conducted in July and August.

On October 21st, 1942, the Cefalo departs La Spezia with three Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato’s, heading to Pantelleria. There, it supports night surveillance operations targeting shipping routes to Malta. In November, it moves to Bizerte, continuing its role as a support vessel for light torpedo craft operating along the Tunisian and Algerian coasts.

On December 14th, 1942, while anchored near La Galite Islet, the Cefalo is attacked by Allied fighter-bombers shortly after recovering Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato’s from an aborted mission to Annaba Harbour. The attack kills Lieutenant Commander Salvatore Todaro and damages the vessel, forcing it to be run aground to prevent sinking. Refloated and hastily repaired in Bizerte, it later returns to Italy.

On August 22nd, 1943, the Cefalo runs aground near Livorno due to a navigational error. Refloated on August 25th, 1943, it is sent to La Spezia for repairs. Following the armistice on September 8th, 1943, the vessel is scuttled near the San Bartolomeo quay one day later. Recovered by Xa Flottiglia MAS personnel, it resumes operations under the republican navy, conducting missions along the Ligurian coast.

Trawler Pegaso

On October 4th, 1944, while moored at Genoa’s Giano quay, the Cefalo is sunk during an aerial bombardment. After the war, it is salvaged and subsequently scrapped.

Built in 1924 by Deutsche Werke AG in Rüstringen, Germany, the vessel features an iron hull and a 450-horsepower reciprocating steam engine. Its dimensions include a gross registered tonnage of 295.54, a length of 44.85 metres, a beam of 7.69 metres, and a draught of 3.64 metres.

The Pegaso, owned by Società Anonima Pesca e Reti Italiane (SAPRI) of Rome, is requisitioned by the Regia Marina on May 18th, 1940 and designated F 66 for pilotage service.

In the summer of 1943, the Pegaso replaces the Sogliola, which is sunk by a submarine. After September 8th, 1943, the vessel is armed and operated by the republican navy. By February 1944, it is assigned to the Antisom group in Genoa. On September 18th, 1944, the Pegaso is sunk during a bombing raid on Genoa Harbour by U.S. B-17 bombers.

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