COREOPSIS

Shipbuildervessel built by Alexander HALL & Co. (Footdee, Aberdeen)

Date1911

Object NameFISHING VESSEL

MediumSTEEL

ClassificationsShip

Dimensionslength 86 3/12' x breadth 18 7/12' x depth 9 9/12'
Gross Tonnage: 88 ton

Object numberABDSHIP001353

Keywords

Aberdeen Built Ships

About MeYard: Alexander Hall & Co.
Yard Number: 467
Subsequent Names: COEOPSIS II (1917); OLIVINE/CLIVINE (1939).

Fate: Scrapped Charlestown, Fife 3 May 1951.

Propulsion: Steam
Description: Steel screw drifter

Owners:
1911: P. Gardner (Watson) of Cellardyke, W. S. Bonthrome and four others of Anstruther, KY116.
1913: Managing owner William S. Bonthrom, 7 Melville Terrace, Anstruther. (Ministry of Shipping List)
1915: P. Gardner, Cellardyke.
1915-19: Requisitioned for war service as an anti-submarine net vessel fitted with a 6-pounder gun (Pennant No. 2363). re-named COREOPSIS II from 1917.
1924: J. Smith (Latin), Portessie, Buckie and re-registered in Buckie, BCK433.
1939-1945: Requisitioned again for war service and employed on harbour service and temporarily renamed OLIVINE.
1945: Changed hands within the family. Last skipper was W. J. Smith (Latin).

General History:
Some records state it was this ship that captured and sunk the German submarine UB85 in 1917. There is a myth that the night before the UB85 had an encounter with a 'sea monster', which is why the submarine surrendered. However it is not clear whether was this drifter or HMS "Coreopsis" (I), a Q-ship, which captured and sunk UB85.

Notes: Triple expansion engines with 9¼", 16" and 26" cylinders, 18" stroke 39 HP. Boiler 9'9" diameter, 9'0" length, 180 lb. pressure (Builder's List in the Lloyd's Library of the Aberdeen Maritime Museum)

With acknowledgement to Mr J. Reid, 'Steam Drifters Recalled'.