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SS Ajax (1904)

For other ships with the same name, see SS Ajax.
History
Name
  • Norway Spir (1904–1912)
  • Norway Bøilefos (1912–1915)
  • Norway Ajax (1915–1917)
OwnerThorvik, Nils M. - Bris A/S D/S
Port of registryNorway Sandefjord, Norway
BuilderFramnæs Mekaniske Værksted - FMV - (Framnæs) A/S
Yard number50
CompletedAugust 1904
FateSunk 22 February 1917
General characteristics
TypeCargo ship
Tonnage1,468 GRT
Length70.7 metres (231 ft 11 in)
Beam10.7 metres (35 ft 1 in)
Depth6.2 metres (20 ft 4 in)
Installed powerTriple expansion steam engine
PropulsionScrew propeller
Speed10 Knots

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.

Construction

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Ajax 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

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On 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

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  1. ^ a b "Ajax (5602333)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  2. ^ "Ajax". Wrecksite. 29 August 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2015.