If losses from combat were not bad enough during the Great War, sailors had to fear their own ordinance. Such was the case of the HMS Negro who came to the aid of HMS Hoste on Dec. 21, 1917. Hoste had developed engine trouble and Negro took her in tow during a storm off the Orkney's. As the two destroyers made their way back to Scapa Flow they were dashed together by the waves causing two depth charges to become dislodged and fall overboard from Hoste. When they reached the proper depth they exploded damaging Negro.

Soon both ships were in trouble, Negro because of the damage to her stern and Hoste because she was damaged in the collision and was now at the mercy of the sea. Both ships finally sank in the cold water off Scapa Flow, Negro with her entire crew, I can't find any casualty figures from Hoste but I can only assume most if not all perished with her.

© 2006 Michael W. Pocock
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