Assimina

Originally built as the Kagera for Deutsche Ost Afrika Linie's Germany-East Africa service, this vessel served under five different names across a 37-year career that included roles as a cargo ship, troop transport, and migrant vessel.

Construction and Early Years (1914-1919)

Ordered in 1914 just before the outbreak of World War I, the vessel was built by Bremer Vulkan at their Vegesack yard. Launched on July 27, 1915 as Kagera, she was completed on November 17, 1917. The ship was designed primarily for cargo operations with accommodation for just 9 passengers.

French Service (1919-1942)

On March 30, 1919, Kagera was seized as war reparations and allocated to France, initially operated by the French Government. In 1922, she was purchased by Cie Generale Transatlantique (French Line) and renamed Indiana. For almost 20 years, she operated cargo services between French ports and the Gulf of Mexico.

Wartime Service (1942-1945)

When France fell during World War II, Indiana was in American waters where she was seized by the United States and initially laid up. In 1942, the United States War Shipping Administration took control of the vessel for use as a troop transport.

Post-War Operations and Migration Voyages (1945-1952)

In 1945, the ship returned to French Line ownership for three years before being sold in 1948 to Dos Oceanos Cia de Nav. of Panama and renamed Derna. The vessel was converted to carry migrants with basic accommodation installed in the holds.

As Derna, she completed her first Australian voyage, departing Marseilles on August 30, 1948, and arriving in Melbourne on November 5. After loading cargo for six weeks, she departed on December 16 bound for Le Havre.

Renamed Assimina in 1949, she made one final Australian voyage, departing Genoa on December 29, 1950. This journey took her to Fremantle (February 5, 1951), Melbourne (February 13), and Sydney (February 19). She departed for Genoa on March 7, 1951. Although another voyage was scheduled, it did not materialize.

Final Disposition

In 1952, Assimina was sold to Hughes Bolckow Ltd and arrived at their ship breaking yard in Blyth, England on December 12, 1952.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Gross Tonnage	5,751
Length	436 ft (132.9 m)
Beam	56 ft (17.1 m)
Propulsion	Triple expansion engine, single screw
Service Speed	11 knots
Passenger Capacity	9 (as built)