Revised 14 March 2006
(at bottom of page)
TEESSHIPS
A FAVOURITE
SHIP
EVANDROS
River Tees (off Tug Station) - 15 May 1965
14.03.06: About time I remembered I had taken two views that day! Second one now added!
Eston Jetty, River Tees - 18 May 1965
EVANDROS, Marfuente Compania Naviera S.A., Lebanon, 4248gt, completed Ardrossan 10-1929, new forepart 1942, ex Blairspey-61, ex Empire Spey-46, ex Blairspey-42. 1967 broken up.
I first showed this box
brownie views on TEESSHIPS back in October 2000 when I said:
Well, what can one say? A veteran of 36 years when I saw her, bearing a flag I
rarely recall seeing in UK waters, and an ex-British vessel as well. A new
forepart in 1942, but remaining straight stemmed, with an Empire name - there
must be a tale to tell. Let me go and look in THE EMPIRE SHIPS.
This tells me she was in convoy from Sydney (Nova Scotia) to the UK when, on 18.10.1940 in the Atlantic, the BLAIRSPEY was torpedoed. This was obviously sufficiently severe as to cause the ship to be abandoned. Despite being again torpedoed the next day she was taken in tow and beached in the Clyde 25.10.1940. She was subsequently rebuilt at Greenock. During her two spells as BLAIRSPEY she was owned by Geo. Nisbet & Co., Glasgow.
Now, who has their finger on the pulse? The above details are ringing some bells in my mind. These are to the extent that there has, fairly recently, been some mention of Geo. Nisbet in one of the shipping journals or publications? The other niggle is as to who managed her as the EMPIRE SPEY on behalf of the M.O.W.T.? Again, the ding-dong is that she has featured in one of the WSS histories, but which one does not immediately come to hand. Of course, memory could simply be playing tricks again!!
28.12.05: Part of my
query can now be answered by reference to: http://www.mariners-l.co.uk/EmpireS.html
which indicates the EMPIRE SPEY simply continued in service under the management
of G. Nisbet & Co., Glasgow!
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The section below is reproduced, with permission from George Robinson, from his RIVERSEA INTERNATIONAL website. The photos are from the collection of Richard Cox.
1929, 4155grt
Ardrossan D.D. & Shipbuilding (344) for Northern Navigation (G. Nisbet), Glasgow
Torpedoed by U.101 on 18/10/1940 in position 57.55N 11.10W
and the next day by U.100 but remained afloat due to her timber cargo and towed to port
Rebuilt with new forepart and 1942 renamed EMPIRE SPEY
1946 BLAIRSPEY, returned to first owners
1961 EVANDROS
Broken up at La Spezia, arrived 2/5/1967
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