SS Ajax was a Norwegian cargo ship that was destroyed with explosive charges by SM UC-17 in the English Channel 30 nautical miles (56 km) north of Ouessant, Finistère, France, while she was travelling from Rufisque, Senegal to Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| History | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name |
|
| Owner | Thorvik, Nils M. - Bris A/S D/S |
| Port of registry |  Sandefjord, Norway |
| Builder | Framnæs Mekaniske Værksted - FMV - (Framnæs) A/S |
| Yard number | 50 |
| Completed | August 1904 |
| Fate | Sunk 22 February 1917 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Cargo ship |
| Tonnage | 1,468 GRT |
| Length | 70.7 metres (231 ft 11 in) |
| Beam | 10.7 metres (35 ft 1 in) |
| Depth | 6.2 metres (20 ft 4 in) |
| Installed power | Triple expansion steam engine |
| Propulsion | Screw propeller |
| Speed | 10 Knots |
Construction
editAjax was constructed in 1904 with yard no. 50 at the Framnæs Mekaniske Værksted - FMV - (Framnæs) A/S shipyard in Sandefjord, Norway. She was completed in August 1904 under the name Spir but was renamed Bøilefos in 1912 and Ajax in 1915.[1]
The ship was 70.6 metres (231 ft 8 in) long, with a beam of 10.7 metres (35 ft 1 in). She had a depth of 6.2 metres (20 ft 4 in). The ship was assessed at 1,468 GRT. She had a triple expansion steam engine driving a single screw propeller. The engine was rated at 128 nhp.[1]
Sinking
editOn 22 February 1917, Ajax was on a voyage from Rufisque, Senegal to Liverpool, United Kingdom. She was stopped and destroyed by SM UC-17, 30 nautical miles (56 km) north of Ouessant, Finistère, France. The ship sank with no loss of life. At the time of her sinking Ajax was carrying a cargo of groundnuts. The ship sank to a depth of over 80 metres (260 ft).[2]
References
edit- ^ a b "Ajax (5602333)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
- ^ "Ajax". Wrecksite. 29 August 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2015.