SS Athenic (eng)
Statistics
Gross Tonnage - 12,345 tons
Dimensions - 152.5 x 19.28m (500.3 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 - 14 knots
Builder - Harland & Wolff, Belfast
Launch date - 17 August 1901
Passenger accommodation - 121 1st class, 117 2nd class, 450 3rd class
Details of Career
The Athenic, Corinthic and Ionic II were dual purpose ships, both passenger and cargo, built in 1902 to serve the New Zealand trade. The Athenic was the first of these three ships to be completed and was launched on 17 August 1901. It made its maiden voyage on 14 February 1902, from London to Wellington. This service was maintained, even throughout the first part of World War I, until 1917. On 28 February 1916 it embarked British prisoners from the German raider Mowe at Santa Cruz, Tenerife.
In 1917 the Athenic was taken over under the Liner Requisition Scheme. It was primarily used to carry meat supplies from either New Zealand or Australia, but via the Panama Canal. After America had entered the war it carried troops on many northbound voyages. On 3 May 1920 the ship rescued the passengers and crew of the Munamar, of the Munsen Line, which had run aground on Little San Salvador Island, Bahamas. The Athenic made its last voyage to New Zealand during October 1927.
In May 1928 the ship was sold to a Norwegian firm and then moved to docks on the Tees to be converted into a whaling ship. Oil fuel burners were fitted, but the first class accommodation was retained. It was then renamed Pelagos. On 15 January 1941 it was captured by the German raider Pinguin in the Antarctic. The ship was sent to Bordeaux and then operated for a German whaling company. Later it served as a depot oiler to the 24th submarine Flotilla, based in Norway. On 24 October it was sunk at Kirkenes. In 1945 it was raised by the Norwegians and put back into service with a revised superstructure. It continued service until 25 June 1962 when it was sold and scrapped in Hamburg.
