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SS Vedic

SS Vedic
History
United Kingdom
NameSS Vedic
OwnerWhite Star Line
OperatorWhite Star Line
Port of registryLiverpool
RouteBelfast-Clyde-Boston
BuilderHarland and Wolff
Yard number461
Launched18 December 1917
CompletedJune 1918
Maiden voyage11 July 1918
In service10 July 1918
Out of service1934
FateScrapped in 1934
General characteristics
TypeOcean liner
Tonnage9,332 GRT
Length460.5 ft (140.4 m)
Beam58.3 ft (17.8 m)
Decks3
PropulsionDouble propeller installation triple blades.
Speed14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph) (design service speed)
Capacity1,250 third class

SS Vedic was an ocean liner for the White Star Line, built in 1917 by Harland and Wolff. She was immediately requisitioned as a troopship before she could begin passenger service due to the ongoing conflicts of World War One, for which she was extensively refitted. [1]

On 19 September 1919, while returning British troops home from Russia, Vedic ran aground near North Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Vedic was helped back to deep water by warships and tug boats.[2]

After the War, in 1920, Vedic saw passenger service as intended. She was once again refitted as an ocean liner, and immediately after travelled the Canada-to-Liverpool immigrant route. She took the Liverpool-Australia route in 1925.

In 1934, the White Star Line merged with its chief rival, Cunard Line, forming Cunard-White Star, Ltd. The newly formed company decided that the vessel was too old and needed to be retired from service. She was one of the first ships that Cunard-White Star sent to the breakers. She was sold for scrap in 1934.

Vedic, seen from stern in early 1920s

Citations

References

  • McCluskie, Tom (2013). The Rise and Fall of Harland and Wolff. History Press Limited. ISBN 9780752488615. - Total pages: 175
  • The Sunday Post (21 September 1919). "Troopship's Narrow Escape". The Sunday Post. Dundee, Scotland.