SS Delphic (I) (eng)

Statistics

Gross Tonnage - 8,273 tons
Dimensions - 145.03 x 16.84m (475.9 x 55.25ft)
Number of funnels - 1
Number of masts - 4
Construction - Steel
Propulsion - Twin screw
Engines - Two triple expansion engines
Service speed - 12 knots
Builder - Harland & Wolff, Belfast
Launch date - 5 January 1897
Passenger accommodation - 21 1st class, 800 emigrants aft on two decks

Details of Career

The Delphic was launched on 5 January 1897. The fact that the ship's engine power and speed were low meant that it was earmarked for the Australia / New Zealand services. Its maiden voyage, however, was to New York. By August it had been transferred to the London berth for the New Zealand joint service. On 30 September it made its first White Star-Shaw, Savill & Albion joint service sailing.

In March 1900 it was employed as a Boer War transport for 1,200 men, from London to Cape Town. The Delphic made a further trooping voyage to the Cape in April 1901. During World War I, on 16 February 1917, it was missed by a torpedo from U-60 off Southwest Ireland. In March the same year it was taken over under the Liner Requisition Scheme. On 17 August it was torpedoed whilst travelling from Cardiff to Montevideo with coal by UC-72, 135 miles off Bishop's Rock. Five lives were lost.