Indarra

The Indarra was a passenger liner built in 1912 for the Australasian United Steam Navigation Company (AUSN). Throughout her service life, she proved consistently unsuitable for her intended roles, earning a reputation as an unlucky vessel despite serving multiple owners across different trade routes.

Construction and Design

Built by William Denny at their Dumbarton yard in 1912, the Indarra was designed for the Australian coastal trade. She was constructed as a twin-screw turbine steamer with no sister ships.

Early Australian Service (1912-1917)

The vessel was initially employed on the Australian coastal route between Fremantle and Cairns. However, she proved too large and costly to operate efficiently on this service, particularly during a period of fierce competition from the Adelaide Steamship Company.

Wartime Service (1917-1919)

In 1917, the Indarra was requisitioned as a troop transport, serving in the Mediterranean theater. She continued in this role until 1919, when she was returned to her owners.

Post-war Difficulties (1919-1923)

After the war, the vessel was chartered to the Orient Line but proved too slow for their requirements, completing only two voyages to Australia before being withdrawn. She was then sold to Lloyd Royale Belge and renamed Paes de Waes, but again proved unsuitable for their trade. The ship was eventually repossessed by AUSN.

Japanese Service and Final Fate (1923-1947)

In 1923, the vessel was sold to OSK Line and rebuilt for service between Japan and Formosa (Taiwan). Her career came to an end when she was bombed and sunk by U.S. planes off Luzon on March 1, 1942. The wreck was raised in 1947 and sold for scrap.

Key Facts

Specification	Details
Built	1912
Builder	William Denny, Dumbarton
Gross Tonnage	9,735
Length	451 ft (137.5 m)
Beam	60 ft (18.3 m)
Engine	Turbine engines, twin screws
Power	7,270 hp
Speed	13.5 knots
Passenger Capacity	484