In reallity what made some merchants explode was not the fuel blow, but the engine plant (of course the cargo sometimes..). The older steamers used High Pressure triple expantion engines (pressurising steam inside cylinders) and a mulfunction in this, frequently lead to an explosion, even in peace time. The coal or mazut oil that they used to burn was very difficult to get ignited but seting it on fire cauzed serius effects. Furthermore, the most merchants in both WW were sunk by only one hit even the bigger ones! Of course this took time and some uboats couldn't witness it.
The WAC represents this very well I have to admint!!!
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