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EARL SIGURD

Shipbuildervessel built by Hall, Russell & Company, Limited (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1864 - 1992)

Date18 December 1930

Object NamePASSENGER AND CARGO VESSEL

MediumSTEEL

ClassificationsShip

Dimensionslength 117 3/12' x breadth 24 1/12' x depth 11 3/6'
(forecastle length 31' ; bridge 43')
Gross Tonnage: 221 ton

Object numberABDSHIP002425

Keywords

Aberdeen Built Ships

About MeYard: Nall, Russell & Co.
Yard Number: 718

Fate: Scrapped at Bo'ness, July 1969.

Propulsion: Steam
Construction: Passenger and cargo vessel, 1 deck, raised quarterdeck.

Owners:
1930: Orkney Steam Navigation Co., Kirkwall.

General History:
19/12/1930:
EARL SIGURD launched 18 December at Hall, Russell's yard, built specially for Kirkwall - islands of Orkney service. Propelling machinery consists of triple expansion engines with multitubular marine boiler, which is being installed by builders.
(Dundee Courier)

EARL SIGURD regularly went to the aid of trawlers stranded on Orkney islands, e.g.

- CAPE CROZIER (Hull) - ashore on Rive Skerry (Sanday). (Press & Journal, 10/04/1931)
- MORVINA (Grimsby) - ashore in fog on Kili Holm (Egilsay). Towed her off at high tide and took aboard crew of 10 when trawler subsequently sank. (Western Morning News, 14/05/1936)
- MACAU (Aberdeen) - despite 3 attempts failed to refloat her from Thieves Holm. On one occasion tow rope broke, fouling EARL SIGURD's propeller. (Press & Journal, 27/10/1937)
- TOBRUK (Fleetwood) - assisted off rocks, Wyre Skerry. (Hull Daily Mail, 07/11/1949)
- GEORGE COUSINS (Aberdeen) - refloated her from Carness Point, near Kirkwall. (Dundee Courier, 20/10/1954(

Unsurprisigly, stormy and foggy weather affected EARL SIGURD's sailings from time to time, e.g.

24/01/1934:
Due to stormy weather made first call at North Ronaldsay 20 January since 21 December. Took mails and cargo aboard, but due to tidal conditions had to leave before some of stock waiting to be brought to Kirkwall was loaded.
(Orkney Herald)

09/05/1947:
Was severely delayed by fog between Papa Westray and Eday on Thursday. Because of fog was not able to leave Sanday for Stronsay til Friday afternoon.Only after dark she was able to drop anchor because of recurrence of fog. She eventaully reached passengers where said to have remained in good spirits.
(Orkney Herald)

20/04/1948:
Had twice last week to make emergency trips to Westray to pick up urgent surguical cases.
(Orkney Herald)

17/04/1940:
Retiral of one of Orkney's best known skippers particularly as master of EARL SIGURD - Captain J. Bremner.
(Orkney Herald)

09/05/1944:
Orkeny Islands S.N.Co. sued in court of session for £1860 for damage alleged to have been done by EARL SIGURD in collision in Kirkwall harbour with tanker PASS OF LENY. Judge found no neglogence could be attributed to EARL SIGURD because she was moving in accordance with harbour master's order.
(Orkney Herald)

13/01/1948:
Guided into Kirkwall Liberty ship WINFIELD S. STRATTON. Suffering from transmission problems on voyage Finland - New York.
(Orkney Herald)

03/04/1969:
Veteran North Isles steamer EARL SIGURD will not be making her annual appearence at Aberdeen for survey and will soon be withdrawn from service. Is last coal-fired passenger steamer in service in Europe.
(Evening Express)

Notes:
Vessel holds a British Board of Trade Passenger certificate.
Triple expansion engine 3 cylinder 60 H.P.
Single ended boiler with 2 plain furnaces - coal burning.
Flat keel with 1" bar keel.
6 bulkheads - cemented.
Cellular double bottom tank (forward) 27ft - 21 tons.
Deep tank (aft) 11ft - 11 tons Deep tank (forward) 14ft - 21 tons

1955 Lloyd's Classification withdrawn at owners request. Continued in service around the Orkney Islands until 1969.
1957? Radar fitted.
1959? R/T fitted.