With our thanks to Andreas for allowing us to publish
Designed by William Francis Gibbs. Building ordered in 1936. Laid down by Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, USA with yard number 369 on 22 August 1938, launched and baptized on 31 August 1939, completed on 16 April 1940, served within the US Navy as troop transport 1 June 1941-12 March 1946 and wrecked at Playa de Garcey, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands on 18 January 1994. Greece-flagged 1946-1967 and 1968-1996 and Panama-flagged 1967-1968.
Gross register tonnage (between 1940-1965) 26.454 tons, net register tonnage (between 1940-1965) 14.320 tons and gross tonnage (since 1965) 33.961 tons, displacement 21.079 (light)-35.440 (full load) tons and as dimensions 220,45 x 28,47 x 10 metres or 723.3 x 93.5 x 32.9 feet. Machinery consisted of 4 double reduction geared turbines allowing a speed of 12,5 knots. As passenger ship accommodation for 1.202 passengers and as the Australis 2.258 persons and while she served as a troop transport 7.678 persons. Crew numbered 643 original as passenger ship)-750 (as war transport). Armament as troop transport consisted of 4-12,7cm/5” anti aircraft guns, 4-7,62cm/3” /50 cal guns and 6-12,7mm/0.50 machineguns.
