Rangitata

[shipstamps]

Rangitata, is the sister-ship to Rangitiki. A third sister, Rangitane, was sunk on November 27, 1940, about 600 miles from Auckland, by three German raiders, at least two of which were masquerading as Japanese (then neutral). They were all built by John Brown and Co., Ltd., of Clydebank, the Rangitata originally sailing under the Federal Steam Navigation Company's flag but afterwards under the New Zealand Shipping Company's colours. When built they maintained a regular four-weekly passenger service between London and New Zealand and were the largest liners on the trade, carrying 580 passengers in first, tourist and third classes, and in addition, were also big cargo carriers, with 43,100 cu. Ft., of refrigerated cargo space.
An eventful incident occurred during the Rangitata's first year of service. On the morning of July 17, 1930, whilst in the South Atlantic, heavy smoke was observed by those on board. An S.O.S. was picked up very shortly afterwards from the steamer Targis, of Bremen. After two hours the Rangitata came up with the German vessel. Explosions were heard coming from the stricken ship and flames were seen leaping from the holds. Four lifeboats from the German ship had been launched, containing her passengers and crew. These were quickly taken aboard the British liner and many were treated for burns and other injuries. As the commander of the Targis expressed a wish to stay by his ship until the last, Capt. Hunter of the Rangitata waited for some hours until the doomed ship went down.
Throughout the war the Rangitata was requisitioned by H.M. Government as a transport and she sailed all over the world. The Rangitata and her sister Rangitiki, after more than six years of war service will be withdrawn for refit during the latter half of this year. When they resume they will have been restored to their fine pre-war state. The vessels are to be completely re-engined to enable them to make the voyage to New Zealand via the Panama Canal in 30 days. Panama SG360 Tristan SG557 (S.B. 4/47)

[aukepalmhof]

16 May 1962 sold for £193.000 to N.V. Holland, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, and left London for Rotterdam on 17 May 1962.
29 May 1962 resold to Brodospas at Split, Yugoslavia for breaking up, under Dutch flag and renamed RANG sailed to Split, arrived there 21 July 1962.

Panama 1939 5c sg360, scott325