SS Afric (eng)

Statistics

Gross Tonnage - 11,948 tons
Dimensions - 167.76 x 19.3m (550.2 x 63.3ft)
Number of funnels - 1
Number of masts - 4
Construction - Steel
Propulsion - Twin screw
Engines - Two four-cylindered quadruple expansion engines Service speed - 13.5 knots
Builder - Harland & Wolff, Belfast
Launch date - 16 November 1898
Passenger accommodation - None

Details of Career

The Afric, Medic and Persic were all cargo vessels which entered service in 1899 and were known as the Jubilee Class. The Afric was the first of the three to be launched, on 16 November 1898. The ship made its maiden voyage, from Liverpool to New York, on 8 February 1899. After this it was returned to Harland & Wolff for improvements before beginning a service from Liverpool to Sydney, via Cape Town.

During 1900-02 the Afric was used as a Boer War transport, carrying troops to the Cape on outward journey's. During World War I, on 2 February 1917, the ship was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine UC66 close to Eddystone Light in the English Channel. Of those on board 5 were killed by the explosion, 17 drowned and 145 survived.