The history of this particular ship is not fully known. But the fate of convoy PQ-17 was complicated by many factors. It was ordered to scatter, its protecting ships abandoned it, and the Russians could not believe so many ships were lost. Staying in the open water as opposed to intentionally beaching the Winston-Salem at Novaya Zemlya was a decision that helped avoid attacks by U-Boats. Part of its cargo was salvaged.
http://www.historynet.com/world-war-ii-convoy-pq-17.htm
http://warfarehistorynetwork.com/dai...nvoy-disaster/
Perhaps someone knows more.