Borinquen
Built by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation in Quincy, Massachusetts, this versatile passenger vessel served under five different names across four decades. Initially constructed for the New York and Porto Rico Steam Ship Company, she would go on to serve in World War II, carry immigrants to Australia, and operate as a cruise ship in the Bahamas.
Construction and Early Service (1930-1941)
Launched as Borinquen on September 24, 1930, the vessel entered service in 1931 on the New York to San Juan route. She was initially fitted with accommodation for 261 first class and 96 second class passengers.
Wartime Service (1941-1946)
During World War II, the vessel made numerous Atlantic crossings and participated in Allied landings in North Africa. She was returned to her pre-war owners in February 1946.
Post-War Changes (1946-1954)
After resuming her pre-war service, ownership changed in 1948 when the New York and Porto Rico Line ceased trading. Transferred to the Bull Line, she was renamed Puerto Rico and refitted to carry 186 first class passengers, continuing on the San Juan route. After being laid up in 1951 and briefly chartered to the American Export Line, she was sold to Swiss-owned Cia Internacional Transportadora, registered in Panama.
Arosa Star Years (1954-1958)
Renamed Arosa Star, the vessel underwent extensive rebuilding including a lengthened superstructure, raked bow, and glassed-in promenade deck. Passenger capacity was modified to accommodate 38 first class and 768 tourist class passengers. She began Montreal service from Bremerhaven on May 18, 1954.
The vessel made three voyages to Australia under ICEM contract:
- First voyage: November 20, 1954 (Bremerhaven to Fremantle, Melbourne)
- Second voyage: Early 1955 (Piraeus to Fremantle, Melbourne, Sydney)
- Third voyage: January 22, 1955 (Bremerhaven to Fremantle, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland)
Financial difficulties led to the vessel's arrest in Bermuda on December 7, 1958.
Bahama Star Period (1959-1968)
Sold to McCormick Shipping (Eastern Steamship Line) in 1959, she was renamed Bahama Star and refitted for 600-passenger Bahamas cruising from Miami. During this period, she notably rescued survivors from the Yarmouth Castle disaster. Rising costs of safety upgrades led to her withdrawal in 1968.
Final Years and Fate
Sold in 1969 for conversion to a floating hotel, she was renamed La Janelle and anchored off Port Hueneme, California. On April 13, 1970, a severe storm drove her ashore where she was declared a total loss and broken up in place.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1931 |
| Builder | Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corp. Quincy |
| Gross Tonnage | 7,114 |
| Dimensions | 466 x 60 ft (142 x 18.3 m) |
| Propulsion | Geared Turbines/single screw |
| Service Speed | 15 knots |
| Initial Passenger Capacity | 261 first class, 96 second class |