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Archiver > TheShipsList > 2001-08 > 0996867118


From: "Ted Finch" <>
Subject: Re: [TSL] STELVIO and GOTHIC
Date: Fri, 3 Aug 2001 20:39:43 +0100
References: <3.0.6.32.20010803145944.00a386a0@pop1.ns.sympatico.ca>


Hi All,

The GOTHIC was a 15,902 gross ton ship, 561ft x 72.2ft, one funnel, two
masts, twin screw, speed 17 knots. Accommodation for 85-1st class passengers
and refrigerated cargo space.
Launched on 12th Dec.1947 by Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Newcastle for
Shaw Savill & Albion Line. 23rd Dec.1948 maiden voyage Liverpool - Sydney
and then placed on the London service. March 1951 detailed for use as Royal
Yacht for visit of King George VI to Australia and New Zealand and converted
by Cammel Laird. Oct.10th because of the King's poor health it was decided
that his place would be taken by Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of
Edinburgh. 15th Dec. the refit was completed and she left for Mombasa on
12th Jan.1952 to embark the royal couple on completion of thei trip to
Africa. The death of the King forced the cancellation of the cruise. In
Aug.1953 she was again refitted for the postponed royal visit and left
London on 10th Nov.for Jamaica where the Queen was to embark. 28th Apr.1954
the royal party disembarked at Aden and the GOTHIC proceeded to Malta where
the fittings and furnishings were transferred to the new royal yacht
BRITANNIA. GOTHIC then returned to London and resumed Shaw Savill service in
Sep.1954. 2nd Aug.1968 en route Bluff - UK and 300 miles east of New
Zealand, the bridge caught fire and the four passengers (all SSA staff going
home on leave) and three crew were killed. She arrived back in Wellington on
6th Aug and arrived Liverpool on 10th Oct. She made one final voyage in May
1969 and then proceeded to Kaohsiang, Taiwan where she was scrapped. For her
delivery voyage to Taiwan she was transferred to the Cairn Line. [Merchant
Fleets, vol.10 by Duncan Haws]

regards
Ted


----- Original Message -----
From: P Smith (by way of Sue Swiggum <>)
<>
To: <>
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2001 6:59 PM
Subject: [TSL] STELVIO and GOTHIC


> Hi,
>
> We would be very grateful for any pointers, sites etc. that might contain
> information/history/technical details about the following two vessels:
>
> "MV Stelvio", think she was owned by the Italian/Adriatica line in the
> 1960s.
> "SS Gothic", she was used to transport the Royal couple etc. during the
> Commonwealth tour in 1954.
>
> Regards and thanks for any help,
>
> Peter Inglis-Smith.
>
>
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