By the end of the 19th century the Patagonian territory was finally under the jurisdiction of the Argentine state, which rapidly foresaw the need to make its presence felt in the region. In 1880 President Roca who had led the Dessert Campaign, designated the vessel VILARINO as the postal carrier vessel for the south coast.
His decision is said to have marked the beginning of naval transportation in Argentine.
Built as an iron navy transport in 1880 by Cammell Laird Bros, Birkenhead. U.K. for the Argentinean navy.
Launched under the name VILLARINO.
Displacement 1.192 tons, dim. 54.58 x 9.14 x 4.56m., mean draught 3.20m.
One compound steam engine 800hp., one screw, speed 10.5 knots.
Bunker capacity coal 110 tons.
Armament 2 Armstrong breech loading 20 lbs guns. 2 MG Hotchkiss.
Crew 50.
Her holds were equipped to carry 500 infantry soldiers and there equipment.
Building cost £18.000.
Built special for the Argentina south coast service, and eventual as a military transport in case of a conflict with Chile.
On her maiden voyage she made a call at Boulogne Sur Mer were the remains of General José de San Martin were taken on board for Buenos Aires.
During here 19 years of coastal and navy service it completed her task as transport, naval and military supply vessel, she was also used for reconnoitering and hydrographic duties.
She supplied the Argentinean colonies in Patagonia and the small towns along the coast.
She was part of an expedition in 1884 to build a lighthouse on Staten Island.
1885 She saved the Italian barque ANNA and got on board the survivors of the British barque RIVER LAGGER.
1887/88 She returned to Birkenhead for repairs and modification, her armament is than given as, 2 – 75mm Armstrong guns on main deck and 2 – 75mm, rotate mounted Krupp guns. 2 Hotchkiss MG.
1889 She rescued the 16 survivors of the British barque JEANNE.
1891 Rescued the crew of the British ship NEW YORK.
16 March 1899 during a strong gale, she drifted over the rocks of Islas Blancas, Camarones Bay, the VILLARINO was lost but the crew was saved by the cruiser 9 DE JULIO.
The VILLARINO had been an outstanding Naval Transport, she did give countless services to the Argentinean country and to foreign seamen, in her pioneer voyages to support the colonists of Patagonia, the army that secured these colonies, and saved many foreign ships for shipwrecking on the Argentinean coast.
Source: Info received from Mr. Mario Rosner.