Jump to content

MV Lochearn

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

History
United Kingdom
Name
  • MV Lochearn
  • 1964: Naias
NamesakeLoch Earn
OwnerDavid MacBrayne
Port of registryGlasgow
RouteInner Isles mail steamer from Oban
Builder
Yard number348
Launched29 April 1930
Out of service1964
FateScrapped
General characteristics
TypePassenger Cargo Vessel
Tonnage542 GRT
Length162 ft (49 m)[1]
Beam29 ft (8.8 m)
Draught9 ft (2.7 m)
Installed power2 oil 4SA each 12cy 660bhp
PropulsionTwin screw
Speed12 knots; <10 knot (service)
Capacity400 passengers; 500 ton cargo

MV Lochearn was a mail steamer operated by David MacBrayne from Oban to Barra and South Uist from 1930 until 1955. She then became the Sound of Mull mail steamer until 1964, when she was superseded by a new generation of car ferry and sold for further service in the Greek Islands.

History

[edit]

MV Lochearn and her sister MV Lochmor were built by Ardrossan Dockyard.[1] She was launched on 29 April 1930.[2]

In March 1931 in thick fog, Lochearn ran aground on a sandbank at Lonbane, Applecross. Lochmor went to assist but she also became stuck.[3] The 85 year old paddle steamer Glencoe successfully towed them both off.[4]

On 14 May 1932, Lochearn struck rocks off Tiree in the Inner Hebrides and was beached.[5] She was later refloated, repaired, and returned to service.

After the war, both sisters were fitted with Paxman Ricardo diesel engines, improving their performance.[3]

With the introduction of the 1964 hoist-loading car ferries, Hebrides, Clansman and Columba, Lochearn became redundant.[6] She and her sister Lochmor were sold to Greek owners on 26 August 1964, renamed Naias and Amimoni and left Scotland for service in the Greek Islands.[7]

In Greece, she was converted to a private motor yacht.[8] It is believed she was broken up in January 1975.[9]

Layout

[edit]

Lochearn was a passenger and cargo vessel, with cabins for 22 passengers.[10] Passenger accommodation consisted of a dining room, lounge and smoking room, with first and second class cabins. Vehicles were loaded, along with other cargo, using crane and sling.[11]

Service

[edit]

Based in Oban, Lochearn was the Inner Isles mail steamer, serving Tobermory, Coll, Tiree, Barra and South Uist[4] until 1955 when she was replaced by MV Claymore.[12] From 1955 to 1964, she sailed from Tobermory to Oban with calls at Salen, Lochaline and Craignure.[12]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "The Fleet - Lochearn". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 13 August 2016.
  2. ^ "May 2007 news". West Highland Steamer Club. Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
  3. ^ a b "MacBrayne's Lochearn and Lochmor". Dalmadan. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  4. ^ a b "MV Lochmor and MV Lochearn off Kyle of Lochalsh". Am Baile. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  5. ^ "Motor-vessel aground off Hebrides". The Times. No. 46134. London. 16 May 1932. col E, p. 12.
  6. ^ "History - Hebrides". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
  7. ^ ""Lochearn" and "Lochmor" leave Ardrossan for Greece under new names". Ardrossan Ships From "The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald" dated Friday 4 September 1964. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
  8. ^ "TSMV Lochmor". Clydesite. Archived from the original on 17 September 2004. Retrieved 28 May 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ^ "MV Lochearn". Caledonian Maritime Research Trust. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  10. ^ "History - Claymore". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
  11. ^ "History - Clansman". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
  12. ^ a b Neil F King. "MV Lochmor". Flickr. Retrieved 28 May 2011.