Pericles

The Pericles was a passenger steamship built in 1908 for the Aberdeen Line, which had been founded by George Thompson & Co in 1825. The vessel represented the company's evolution from its sailing ship origins in the Baltic and Canadian trades to modern steam-powered passenger service. She carried the company's distinctive livery of a dark green hull, cream upperworks, and pale buff funnel.

Construction and Design

Built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast following Aberdeen Line's association with White Star Line, the Pericles shared many design characteristics with contemporary White Star vessels. She offered luxurious accommodations for 100 first-class passengers, while her third-class facilities were noted as being significantly more comfortable than those of competing vessels.

Service History

The Pericles began her service with a departure from London on July 8, 1908, operating on the Cape route to Australia. She quickly established herself as a popular vessel on this service.

Loss

On March 31, 1910, the Pericles struck an uncharted rock while homeward bound, approximately 150 miles south of Fremantle near Cape Leeuwin. Thanks to calm conditions, all passengers were safely evacuated to lifeboats. Local lighthouse keepers lit fires on the beach to guide the survivors ashore. The vessel sank upright over two and a half hours, resulting in an insurance loss estimated at 750,000 pounds.

Wreck Site

The wreck of the Pericles is now a protected site. Located at the confluence of two oceans, the wreck is subject to treacherous currents that make diving operations hazardous, requiring extreme caution from those who visit the site.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Built	1908
Builder	Harland and Wolff, Belfast
Tonnage	10,925
Passenger Capacity	100 First Class, plus Third Class
Route	London to Australia via Cape
Final Fate	Wrecked March 31, 1910 off Cape Leeuwin