BEN-MY-CHREE (V) 1965 ferry

[aukepalmhof]

Built as a ferry under yard No1320 by Cammell Laird & Co. Ltd., Birkenhead, U.K. for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co., Douglas, Isle of Man.
10 December 1965 launched under the name BEN-MY-CHREE. (5)
Tonnage 2.762 gross 997 net, 650 dwt., dim. 104.83 x 16.13 x 3.82m.
Powered by 2 Cammell Laird steam turbines, 9.500 shp., twin screws, speed 21 knots.
Accommodation for 1.400 passengers, crew 60.
1966 Completed.

She was the last vessel of the company what was designed to carry passengers in two classes.
12 May 1966 maiden voyage, in the service between Liverpool and Douglas.
1967 Converted to a single class passenger ferry.
19 September 1984 she made her last voyage for the company.
1984 Sold to Markleham Trading Ltd., registered in Liverpool, other source gives Sold to New England Development Co., Cincinnati to use her as a restaurant and conference center in Jacksonville, Florida.
25 May 1985 till 10 June 1985 chartered by Isle of Man Steam Packet Co.
10 June 1985 laid up.
August 1989 sold to Spanish breakers.
Cantabra Metalurgica S.A. Santander broke her up still under the name BEN-MY-CHREE, and demolition work commenced 18 Sept. 1989, work was completed on 04 December 1989.

Source: Marine News 1990/377. Register of Merchant Ships Completed in 1966. Merchant Ships World Built 1966. Island Lifeline by Connery Chappell.

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