SS Snaefell (1906)

SS Snaefell (IV), the fourth ship in the company's history to be so named, was a packet steamer originally owned and operated by G. and J. Burns, who sold her to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company in 1920.

For other ships with the same name, see Snaefell (ship).

Snaefell
History
Name: 1906: Viper
Namesake: Snaefell
Owner:
  • 1906-1920 G. and J. Burns and Co.
  • 1920–1945: IOMSPCo.
Operator:
  • 1906-1920 G. and J. Burns and Co.
  • 1920–1945: IOMSPCo.
Port of registry: Douglas, Isle of Man
Route: Various
Builder: Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Govan.
Cost: Not recorded
Way number: 121331
Launched: 10 March 1906
Acquired: 22 March 1920
In service: 1906
Out of service: 1945
Fate: Laid up at Port Glasgow 1945, finally scrapped 1948.
General characteristics
Type: packet steamer
Tonnage: 1,713 GRT
Length: 315 feet (96 m)
Beam: 39 feet 6 inches (12.04 m)
Depth: 16 feet 6 inches (5.03 m)
Propulsion: Steam turbine driven screw-propellers
Speed: 21 knots (39 km/h; 24 mph)
Capacity: 1,700 passengers
Crew: 61

Construction and dimensions

Originally named Viper built for the Irish Channel service between Scotland and Ireland, she was a steel; triple-screw turbine driven vessel. Viper was built at Govan by Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, launched 10 March 1906.[1]

The vessel's dimensions were a length of 315'; beam 39'6"; and depth 16'6". Viper's engines developed 6,500 i.h.p. which gave her a service speed of 21 knots. She had accommodation for 1,700 passengers and a crew of 61.

Viper was purchased by the Steam Packet on 22 March 1920 and renamed Snaefell. The consideration was £160,000.

Service life

Under her original owners, G. and J. Burns, Viper was employed on the company's Ardrossan-Belfast service. Purchased by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company in 1920, she was renamed Snaefell, and served the numerous routes then operated by the company.

War service

First World War

Under her original owners, the vessel saw service in the First World War as a troopship. Little is known of her Great War service, but it is fair to assume she was used mainly for trooping duties between the Kent ports, Southampton and the main French port serving the British Expeditionary Force at Le Havre.

Second World War

At the outbreak of war, the Steam Packet operated a fleet comprising 16 ships. The Rushen Castle and Snaefell were kept to maintain the Isle of Man's vital link with the mainland, Snaefell primarily as a relief vessel. For a while the Victoria joined them, and the Peveril, Conister and Cushag stayed on to handle freight.

Snaefell was again requisitioned and again used as a troopship, but after one year she was returned to the company and resumed her duty serving the Island's wartime link with the mainland, first to Liverpool and then to Fleetwood.

Post-war service

On the cessation of the war, Snaefell was withdrawn from service in 1945, and sold for breaking.

Disposal

After a life spanning 42 years, Snaefell was finally broken up in 1948.

  • SS Viper
  • Snaefell approaches Douglas
  • Snaefell in Steam Packet service

References
  1. M'Pherson, Allen (1906). "Launch of Turbine Steamer Viper". International Marine Engineering. Marine Engineering, Inc., New York—London. 11 (August): 321–322. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
Bibliography
  • Chappell, Connery (1980). Island Lifeline T.Stephenson & Sons Ltd ISBN 0-901314-20-X
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