Castel Verde
Originally launched as the Wooster Victory in July 1945, this vessel was one of the last of 534 standard design Victory ships built during World War II. Unlike earlier Victory ships, she and her sister ship were specifically designed for troop transport, though the war's end meant she was initially mothballed in the Naval Reserve.
Early Service
Following her 1945 launch, the vessel remained in the Naval Reserve until 1949, when she transported Jewish refugees from Shanghai to Cape Town, South Africa. Under Russian owner Vlasov, she bore a distinctive blue V on her yellow funnel. In 1950, Sitmar Line chartered her from the U.S. Maritime Administration for passenger/cargo service to South America.
Sitmar Line Years
In 1952, the vessel underwent a major rebuild in Trieste, Italy, emerging as the Castel Verde. She featured one level of superstructure (distinguishing her from her sister ship Castel Bianco's two levels) and notably higher air vents/masts. During this period, she regularly transported migrants to Australia.
Spanish Line Service and Final Years
Following the arrival of the Fairsky, both Castel Verde and Castel Bianco were sold to Campagnia Trasatlantica, Espagnola S.A. (Spanish Line) of Barcelona. The Castel Verde was renamed Montserrat and operated on the Genoa/Caribbean route alongside Covadonga and Guadalupe. In 1970, she suffered a breakdown in the Mid-Atlantic with 660 people aboard, requiring rescue by her sister ship Begona (ex-Castel Bianco). After repairs, she continued service until 1973, before being sold for scrap in the early 1970s.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | Bethlehem-Fairfield, Baltimore |
| Dimensions | 455 x 62.0 ft (138.7 x 18.9 m) |
| Draught | 21 ft (6.4 m) |
| Tonnage | 9,008 GRT |
| Engines | Two D.R.G. steam turbines (6000 SHP) |
| Speed | 16 knots maximum |
| Capacity | 1,000 passengers (one class) |
| Crew | 290 |
| Passenger Decks | Four |
A previous Castelverde (1936-1942), originally named Inverleith and built by Harland and Wolff, was Sitmar's first ship. This earlier vessel was sunk on December 14, 1942, by the British submarine Unruffled.