Name Kyarra Beam 52 ft 2 in (15.90 m) Length 127 m | Tonnage 6,953 GRT4,383 NT Launched 2 February 1903 Draft 9.58 m | |
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Owner Australian United Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. Port of registry Fremantle, Western Australia Builder | ||
Ss kyarra in amazing viz
The Kyarra was a 6,953 ton (7,065 t) steel cargo and passenger luxury liner, built in Scotland in 1903 for the Australian United Steam Navigation Company.
Contents
- Ss kyarra in amazing viz
- Kyarra wreck near swanage dorset
- Construction and launch
- Career
- Sinking
- References
Kyarra wreck near swanage dorset
Construction and launch
The Kyarra was built at Dumbarton by William Denny and Brothers, and launched on 2 February 1903 on the River Clyde, Scotland. Her name was taken from the aboriginal word for a small fillet of possum fur.
Career
For ten years Kyarra sailed between Fremantle, Western Australia, where she was registered, and Sydney, New South Wales carrying cargo and passengers. She sailed the flag of the United Steam Navigation Company Limited of London.
On 6 November 1914 she was requisitioned and converted into a hospital ship (HMAT A.55 Kyarra) for the purpose of transporting Australian medical units to Egypt. The hull was painted white with a large red cross on the side. In March 1915, Kyarra was converted into a troop transport. Commonwealth control ended 4 January 1918.
Sinking
On 5 May 1918, Kyarra was sailing from Tilbury to Devonport to embark civilian passengers and take on full general cargo. However she was sunk by UB-57 near Swanage with the loss of six lives.
It was discovered in the late 1960s by a member of the Kingston and Elmbridge British Sub-Aqua Club, which later bought the wreck. The wreck, which lies one mile off Anvil Point, remains popular with divers.