Built as a cargo-passenger vessel under yard No 64 by Trosvik Verkten A/S, Brevik, Norway for the Finnmark Fylkesrederi & Ruteselskap at Hammerfest, Norway.
Launched under the name ALTA.
Tonnage 688 gross, 344 net, 588 dwt., dim. 167 x 27.11 x 11.2ft. (draught).
Powered by one 5-cyl Atlas diesel 850 hp., speed 12 knots.
Passenger accommodation for 175 passengers, and 150 tons cargo.
July 1950 delivered to owners.
After delivery used in the service between Mosjøen-Hammerfest.
October 1950 chartered by Det Nordenfjeldske Dampskibsselskap for the Hurtigruten service. (Bergen to Kirkeness).
February 1952 returned to owners, and then during the summer season used in the service Hammerfest-Nordkapp-Honingsvåg.
October 1953 chartered by Det Bergenske DS for the Hurtigruten service.
1954 In the service from Mosjøen to Hammerfest, and to Hamnbukt – Porsanger.
1958 Chartered by Vesteraalsen DS, Stokmarknes for the Hurtigruten service.
1962 Service Bodø to Hammerfest.
1967 Sold to Maritime Cooperative Shipping Assoc. Ltd., Suva, Fiji.
April 1968 she was converted for tropical use, like air-conditioning fitted in by Kaarbøs Mek. Verksted, Harstad, Norway and renamed TUI LAI.
25 October 1968 underway from Kambara Island to Suva with on board 40 tons copra some general cargo and 46 passengers, she grounded on a reef 120 miles south-east of Suva off the north-eastern tip of Totoya Island in a position of 18 54 S and 179 46 W.
The British destroyer FIFE arrived soon after the grounding, but attempts to refloat her were unsuccessful.
The TUI LAU was abandoned, and the FIFE rescued the 46 passengers and 36 crew.
Fiji 1984 8c sg 675
Source: Lloyds Register 1955/56. Navicula. http://www.warsailors.com/homefleet/shipsa.html
Modern Shipping Disasters 1963-1987 by Norman Hooke.