Hello all!
Been reading this debate with interest, particularly as my name is mentioned in postings.
I recall researching this one at the Admiralty Library in London because there seemed to be some contradictory information in various texts.
According to the Admiralty files that I examined, the vessel did not go to Port Said, but was towed to Alexandria, and the events are basically as appearing in "The World's Merchant Fleets 1939", although of course that is only a brief account.
Regards
Roger W Jordan