Port of registry United Kingdom Completed 1905 Length 40 m | Yard number 176 Launched 6 December 1904 Draft 3.51 m | |
Name SS Argus (1905-17); HMS Argon (1917-20); SS Peninnis (1920-27); SS Riduna (1927-32) Owner Admiralty (1905-20); Isles of Scilly Steamship Company (1920-27); Alderney Steam Packet Company (1927-32) Operator HM Coast Guard (1905-17); Royal Navy (1917-20); Isles of Scilly Steamship Company (1920-27); Alderney Steam Packet Company (1927-32) Builder Bow, McLachlan and Company | ||
HMS Argus was a Royal Navy ship built in 1904 for the His Majesty's Coast Guard.
Contents
Naval service
After launch the steam coastguard cruiser Argus was delivered to Sheerness to replace two sailing cruisers (Adder and Victoria). She was armed with two 6-pounder guns.
In 1905 she captured seven Dutch coopers inside the three-mile limit off the Humber. She seized 2¼ tonnes of tobacco and cigars which were being sold illegally to local fishermen.
In July 1909 she was off Hastings, under the command of Captain Hicks RN, watching the interests of British fishermen and keeping a look out for French boats within the three mile radius.
In 1917 she was renamed HMS Argon.
RMS Peninnis
In 1920 she was sold to the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company for £8,000 (equivalent to £290,000 in 2015) and renamed RMS Peninnis. Following the necessary alterations at a cost of £5,000 (equivalent to £180,000 in 2015), she operated between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly until 1926, when she was replaced on that route by the purpose built SS Scillonian.
RMS Riduna
In 1927 she was sold to the Alderney Steam Packet Company and renamed Riduna.
She was sold for breakup in Plymouth in 1931.