The Harpalion was attacked by a Junker 88 when she was sailing in convoy QP10. The bombs fell within 20 feet of the stern. After this the steeringgear didn't respond. Engineers switched over to emergency hand gear. But the ship still didn't answer. The engines were stopped to prevent she became a danger to the other convoy ships. Then they were again attacked by Junkers, and were advised by the HMS Fury to abandon ship. The around 70 men entered the lifeboats (there were 18 men of the "SS New Westminster City" onboard) and were picked up by the HMS Fury. The HMS Fury sunk her.

See "The road to Russia, arctic convoys 1942"by Bernard Edwards