SS Espagne (Anversois, 1909)
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| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | Espagne |
| Namesake | Spain |
| Owner | Armement Adolf Deppe |
| Port of registry |  Belgium |
| Builder | Chantiers Navals Anversois S.A |
| Yard number | 40 |
| Launched | 6 February 1909 |
| Completed | March 1909 |
| Out of service | 25 December 1917 |
| Fate | Torpedoed and sunk |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Cargo ship |
| Tonnage | 1,463 GRT |
| Length | 71.78 metres (235 ft 6 in) |
| Beam | 11.00 metres (36 ft 1 in) |
| Depth | 3.70 metres (12 ft 2 in) |
| Installed power | Triple expansion steam engine |
| Propulsion | Screw 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).[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, off the Isle Of Wight, United Kingdom.[citation needed]