Warrawee

The Warrawee was a steel-hulled coastal passenger vessel built in 1909 by John Reid & Co Ltd of Glasgow for the newly formed Coast Steamship Company Ltd. She spent over four decades serving South Australian coastal routes, surviving both commercial service and wartime duties.

Early Service

The vessel commenced service in 1909 on South Australian coastal routes, primarily operating on the Edithburg run. In 1915, the Coast Steamship Company was acquired by the Adelaide Steamship Company, though Warrawee continued her established service pattern. She was designed to carry 100 regular passengers, with capacity for up to 480 passengers on day excursions.

Wartime Service

During World War II, Warrawee was requisitioned by the Royal Australian Navy, initially serving as an examination vessel at Outer Harbor. In 1941, she was converted for use as an auxiliary minesweeper. She continued in naval service until October 15, 1946, when she was returned to her owners and temporarily laid up.

Final Years

In 1947, Warrawee was loaned to the Sea Scouts for use as a static training ship. She briefly returned to commercial service on September 8, 1948, replacing the Karatta while that vessel underwent major overhaul. Her final commercial voyage ended at Kingscote on January 14, 1950, after which she was laid up. In March 1953, she was sold to H.G. Wells & Co for breaking up at Port Adelaide. Her register was officially closed in February 1955.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Built	1909, John Reid & Co Ltd, Glasgow
Gross Tonnage	422.57 (or 413)
Net Tonnage	164.9
Length	155.7 feet (47.46 meters)
Breadth	27'15" (8.31 meters)
Speed	12 knots (max), 10.5 knots (service)
Construction	Steel hull, single screw
Cargo Capacity	2 holds
Official Number	122726
Passenger Capacity	100 regular, 480 excursion