Japanese passenger ship (ex-Dante Alighieri 1914-1938) Asahi Maru 1938-1944

Before the removal of the aft funnel in 1940©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Owner in 1939 Kin Kai Yusen K.K., Tokyo. Laid down by Societa Esercizio Bacini, Genoa, Italy in September 1914, launched on 28 November 1914, completed on 28 February 1915, sold to Kinkai Yusen K.K. on 15 February 1938, requisitioned by the navy in August 1937, converted at Kure into a hospital ship between 17-25 August 1937, Kinkai Yusen taken over by NYK since 6 May 1939 Since 8 September 1839 was NYK owner of the ship, the aft dummy funnel removed between 15-30 November 1940, converted at Kure Naval Yard between 1 October-28 November 1943 into an auxiliary transport, collided with the Manu Maru west of Ushijima 1.25 miles off Bizan Seto on 5 February 1944, beached, hull broken on 24 February 1944, abandoned being a total loss, cargo unloaded between 27-29 February 1944, stricken on 15 July 1944 and broken up in December 1949. Gross tonnage 9,326 tons, under deck 6,977 tons, net tonnage 5,645 tons, deadweight 5,800 tons and as dimensions 483.0 x 59.5 x 25.5 x 27 (loaded) feet. Reciprocating propulsion, 2 screws, horsepower 1,512 hp, coal bunker capacity 1,185 ton and speed 15 (normal cruising)-18 (maximum) knots.