(Article reproduced from Navy News July 1982)
Atlantic Conveyor was hit by one, possibly two Exocet missiles just before dusk on May 25 as she closed on the British beachhead at San Carlos, East Falkland. It quickly became obviousl that the 14,950-ton container ship would have to be abandoned, and the evacuation was completed in about 15 minutes.

Shortly before the red alert warning of imminent attached flashed to Atlantic Conveyor's bridge, a Royal Navy team had launched a Wessex helicopter from the bow, These men were cut off from the rest of the ship by the heat and smoke, but were picked off the deck by a Wessex and a Sea King.

Twelve men died, or a missing presumed dead, in the attack, including the ship's master, Capt. Ian North. Three of those lost were Royal Navy personnel, and three were form the RFA, with six from Cunard.

An escort frigate closed bravely on the crippled and burning ship to play water on her steaming sides. Lines were thrown to the liferafts in the water, and the last survivors were picked up about two and a half hours after leaving the Conveyor.

Capt. Michael Layard, RN, who was in tactical command of the ship, told a press conference on his return to RAF Brize Norton that he believed two Exocet missiles had struck the ship close together on the port quarter. He paid tribune to the "incredible calm" of the survivors in making their escape.

The Atlantic Conveyor, requisitioned form the Cunard Steamship Co. as a supply vessel, had already delivered vital Harrier reinforcements to the Task Force.
When she was hit she was making her way towards the San Carlos bridgehead laden wit supplies. Her cargo included 4,500 tents.

ROLL OF HONOUR
The RN and RFA roll on honour in the Atlantic Conveyor:
Royal Navy -
Adrain J Anslow (20). AEM(R)1. Tattenhall, Wolverhampton.
Edmund E. Flanagan(35). CPOWTR. Gillingham, Kent.
Donald L Pryce(26). LAEM(L). Gosport.
Royal Fleet Auxiliary -
Ronald Hoole(37). Chief Radio Officer. Matlock, Derbyshire.
Ng Po. Hong Kong.
Chan Chi Shing. Hong Kong