Quiz #168
On 31 October 1956, the Egyptian frigate Domiat (former River-class frigate HMS Nith) was cruising South of the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, when HMS Newfoundland encountered her and ordered her to heave to. Aware of tensions between Britain and Egypt that would lead to the Suez Crisis, Domiat refused and opened fire on the cruiser, causing some damage and casualties. The cruiser, with the destroyer HMS Diana, then returned fire and sank their opponent, rescuing 69 survivors from the wreckage. One man from the Newfoundland was killed and five were wounded. This was the last time a ship was sunk by another in conflict using gunfire alone.
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