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The SS Belgian was a 5,287-ton steamship which was built in 1919, sold in 1934 becoming Amelia Lauro, seized in 1940 and renamed Empire Activity and wrecked in 1943.
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name |
|
| Owner |
|
| Operator |
|
| Port of registry |
|
| Builder | Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson, Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Yard number | 1139 |
| Launched | 29 August 1919 |
| In service | October 1919 |
| Identification |
|
| Fate | Wrecked 3 October 1943 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 5,287 GRT |
| Length | 400 ft 3 in (122.00 m) |
| Beam | 52 ft 4 in (15.95 m) |
| Depth | 28 ft 4 in (8.64 m) |
| Propulsion | 1 x triple expansion steam engine of 517 hp (386 kW) |
| Speed | 12 knots (22 km/h) |
Belgian was built by Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd, Wallsend and launched on 29 August 1919, being completed in October 1919.[1] From 1919 to 1934 Belgian was owned by the Leyland Line. In 1934, she was sold to Achille Lauro, and renamed Amelia Lauro.[2]
On 7 March 1940, Amelia Lauro was damaged by German bombing at 52°55′N 02°19′E[3] en route from Newcastle upon Tyne to Piombino laden with coal. She was set on fire and the crew anchored her, then abandoned her.[4] The SS Titania rescued 37 of the crew, and the sloops Pintail and Londonderry assisted. Amelia Lauro was escorted to Immingham[3] with her superstructure burnt out.[4] One crew member was killed outright and three were wounded.[5] One of the wounded crewmen later died from his injuries.[6] In an expression of gratitude, Lauro Lines owner Achille Lauro donated £26. 5s to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in appreciation of assistance rendered by the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston lifeboat in bringing 29 crew to shore.[7] Permission was given for temporary repairs to be carried out.[4]
As a consequence of Italy's declaration of war on 10 June 1940, Amelia Lauro was seized as a prize of war. The seizure was ratified by the prize court on 4 May 1941.[8] Amelia Lauro was taken over by the Ministry of War Transport, being renamed Empire Activity. Galbraith, Pembroke & Co were appointed managers. On 3 October 1943, Empire Activity was wrecked on Peckford Reef Newfoundland at 49°30′38″N 53°51′30″W,[9] 1 nautical mile south of the Peckford Reef.[1] She was en route from Botwood to the United Kingdom laden with zinc concentrates.[4]
Official Numbers were a forerunner to IMO Numbers.
Belgian had the UK Official Number 140659.[10] Amelia Lauro had the Italian Official Number 423[11] Empire Activity had the UK Official Number 140659.[12]
Belgian used the Code Letters KCQH.[10] Amelia Lauro used the Code Letters IBEZ.[11] Empire Activity used the Code Letters GQXX.[12]
- Photo of Empire Activity
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