Asturias (2)
The Asturias (2) was one of the most elegant liners to serve under the British Ministry of Transport Emigrant scheme. Built by Harland & Wolff Ltd in Belfast for the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, she was designed for service between Britain and South America. Her namesake, the first Asturias, had been torpedoed in 1917 and was later rebuilt as the Arcadian in 1923.
When launched in 1925, the Asturias (2) represented a significant advancement in merchant shipping. Until the arrival of her identical sister ship Alcantara (2), she held the distinction of being the largest motor-ship afloat. Her design featured a modern profile, departing from the traditional island bridge house and counter stern arrangement.
Pre-War Service (1926-1939)
The vessel commenced her maiden voyage on February 26, 1926, sailing from Southampton to Buenos Aires. Her regular route included calls at Cherbourg, Vigo, Lisbon, Madiera, Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires. Following a refit in 1935 that improved her speed from 16 to 18 knots, she and her sister ship became flagships of the British Merchant Navy on the South American service.
Wartime Service and Damage (1939-1945)
Upon the outbreak of World War II, Asturias (2) was commissioned as an armed merchant cruiser and fitted with defensive armament. In July 1943, she was torpedoed while steaming in convoy 400 miles off Freetown - ironically 26 years after her namesake met a similar fate. Taking on water, listing, and powerless, she was towed to the African coast by a Dutch tug and deliberately beached to prevent sinking. The vessel remained there until 1945 when the British Admiralty arranged for her return to Harland & Wolff's yards for repairs.
Post-War Service (1947-1957)
Following reconstruction with new one-class accommodation in 1947, Asturias (2) resumed service as a troopship. In 1949, she began a new chapter under charter to the Australian Government, transporting British emigrants via the Suez Canal to Fremantle, Melbourne, and Sydney. This role continued until mid-1953 when she was reassigned to transport troops during the Korean War. The vessel's long career ended in September 1957 when she was delivered to Scottish ship-breakers.
Key Facts
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Initially 656ft (199.9m), later 666ft x 79ft (203m x 24m) |
| Draught | 31ft (9.4m) |
| Gross Tonnage | 22,445 tons |
| Propulsion | Initially 2 B&W diesels, later SRG turbines (20,000 shp) |
| Speed | Initially 16 knots, after 1935 refit 18 knots |
| Passenger Capacity | 160 first class, 113 third, 1134 dormitory class |
| Crew | 440 |
| Livery | Black hull, white superstructure, yellow funnel, pink boot-topping |