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SS Espagne (Anversois, 1909)

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History
NameEspagne
NamesakeSpain
OwnerArmement Adolf Deppe
Port of registryBelgium Belgium
BuilderChantiers Navals Anversois S.A
Yard number40
Launched6 February 1909
CompletedMarch 1909
Out of service25 December 1917
FateTorpedoed and sunk
General characteristics
TypeCargo ship
Tonnage1,463 GRT
Length71.78 metres (235 ft 6 in)
Beam11.00 metres (36 ft 1 in)
Depth3.70 metres (12 ft 2 in)
Installed powerTriple expansion steam engine
PropulsionScrew propeller

The SS Espagne was a Belgian cargo ship that was torpedoed by the SM UC-71 in the English Channel off St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom while she was travelling from Le Havre, France to Newport, Monmouthshire, United Kingdom.

Construction

Espagne was launched on 6 February 1909 with yard no. 40 at the Chantiers Navals Anversois shipyard in Hoboken, Antwerp, Belgium. She was completed the following month, having been ordered by the Antwerp shipping company Armement Adolf Deppe.[1]

The ship was 71.78 metres (235 ft 6 in) long, with a beam of 11.00 metres (36 ft 1 in).[1] She had a depth of 3.70 metres (12 ft 2 in).[citation needed] The ship was assessed at 1,463 GRT. She had a triple expansion steam engine driving a single screw propeller.[1] Steam was supplied by two boilers;[2] the engine was rated at 150 nhp.[citation needed]

The sinking

On 25 December 1917, Espagne was in ballast on a voyage from Le Havre, Seine-Maritime, France to Newport, Monmouthshire, United Kingdom.[1] At 6.35 AM,[citation needed] Espagne was struck by one torpedo from the SM UC-71 off St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom (50°26′N 1°29′W / 50.433°N 1.483°W / 50.433; -1.483).[1][3] The ship sank to a depth of over 40 metres (130 ft),[2] with the loss of 21 men. Only three men survived the sinking and were rescued soon after.[citation needed]

The wreck

The wreck sits 40 to 50 metres (130 to 160 ft) deep and is mostly broken. The engine lies on its side and the two boilers one of which stands on one end.[2] Position: 50°26′51″N 1°29′57″W / 50.44750°N 1.49917°W / 50.44750; -1.49917, off the Isle Of Wight, United Kingdom.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Espagne (5607825)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 9 May 2014.
  2. ^ a b c "Wrecks". Wight Spirit Diving Charters. Retrieved 9 May 2014.
  3. ^ "Espagne". Uboat. Retrieved 9 May 2014.