Uskside

[Keelman]

Although I'm not 100% sure I have a feeling in my water that she was built at Hartlepool.
Pictured at Dunston staithes, about this time of year judging by the snow in the background.

[teesships]

Afraid not!

Details: USKSIDE, Uskside SS Co Ltd., 2961gt,
completed Ailsa SB Co., Troon, 6-1946
Launched as EMPIRE WARNER - 1946 USKSIDE - 1965 GERO MICHALOS
wrecked Akyab 10.5.68, whilst loading rice

Ron

[Keelman]

Thanks for the details and keeping me right Ron
Regards

[magoonigal]

Well actually your not that far off the mark KM.
The USKSIDE was based on a design by William Gray & Co Ltd called the Scandinavian Type.
She was a three island ship of 4,700 Dwt with High Bulwarks in the wells to allow deck cargoes to be carried without obstruction. Poop length 33 ft. Bridge 82 ft and forecastle 34 ft. Hull length was 327.9 ft (oa) 315.5 ft (bp) Breadth 46.5 ft.
Triple expansion engine gave a speed of 10 knots.
Gray's built 24 Standard + 10 with heavy lift capability.
Ailsa 6
Caledon 1
Grangemouth 2
and
Laing 1

[Keelman]

Thanks for that 'gen' Mr M.
My feeling that USKSIDE was Hartlepool built came about because I confused her with another of this type which I have photographed. This pic of ALEXANDRA K emphasizes their unencumbered decks clear of cargo gear which facilitated the loading of tanks, military vehicles and the like, as you mention.
EMPIRE VALOUR was completed by Wm.Gray & Co. in 1943 for the M.O.T. and managed by Glen & Co.
She was bought by the Eskgarth Shipping Co. in 1948 and renamed ESKGARTH
In 1951 she became USKMOUTH under the ownership of the Uskside Steam Shipping Co. (R.W.Jones Ltd.)
From 1963 she carried the name ALEXANDRA K after her sale to Compania Merabello San Nicolas. (Panamanian flag)
In 1969 her final owners became Pateras Bros. Ltd. (Greek flag), named ARISTIEDIS II. She carried this name when demolished at Piraeus in 1971.
As ALEXANDRA K she was in collision in the North Sea Canal on 03/03/64 with the Dutch vessel AVERDYK while inward bound from Zonguldak to Amsterdam. The two ships became locked together and ALEXANDRA K was beached to prevent her sinking. The two ships were towed to Amsterdam the following day still locked together, the canal being closed to shipping in the meantime.
The attached picture shows her moored off Dunston staithes on 10/03/63

[tynebuoy]

Another cracking shot.

[magoonigal]

Forgot to add this bit..........bit more detail to Ron's post from "The Empire Ships"

10.05.1968.
Broke moorings in cyclone; aground at Akyab, Burma, whilst loading rice.

12.05.1968.
Partially submerged; breaking up.
Total loss.

[teesships]

Re ALEXANDRA K see also: viewtopic.php?f=37&t=5082

Ron