Identifying their position off the coast of Cape Race the crew of the Empire Ocean returned their engine to full speed, eager to finally put the threat of the U-boats behind them. Pushing through the fog the ship rounded the coastline and altered its course towards Argentia. After a day of pursuit, it seemed that the Empire Ocean had reached safety when suddenly the ship was rocked by a hull-shattering impact.

Just before midnight on September 3, 1943, Liberator 589 “D” took off from Gander Air Station on a night practice flight. The pilot, Wing Commander John Young, and co-pilot, Flying Officer Victor Bill, wanted to get more night flying experience in the Liberator patrol aircraft.