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Sun Arrow
Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 2:56 pm
by shipstamps
Sun Arrow, hydrofoil. Two Mercedes-Benz engines, together developing 2,700 h.p. give this hydrofoil a speed of 37 knots. The Sun Arrow is completely air conditioned, has aircraft seats, and a bar. She is on a service between Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and enables the islanders to visit St. Thomas in one day. SG256
Re: Sun Arrow
Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2015 6:44 pm
by D. v. Nieuwenhuijzen
Built in 1968 by Cantieri Navali L. Rodriquez, Messina, Italy, #125, for Aliscafi S.N.A.V. SpA. Messina.
Aluminium Alloy TM Hydrofoil Ferry, Gt:139, Nt:90, Dw:66, Loa:28,96m. Lbpp:24.34m. Width over foils:10,72m. B. hull:5,72m. Draught:3,31m. Draught foilborne:1,55m. 2-12 cyl. Fiat/SGM diesels each:2500 bhp. (1839 kW.) IMO.690397.
SUN ARROW was completed by Rodriquez in 1968 and originally shipped to the West Indies; hence its non-Italian name. Leased and later acquired by Golden Arrow Hydrofoil Company, the PT.50 entered service between Puerto Rico and St. Thomas and Tortola in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands respectively in January 1969.
The service came to a premature halt the following year when during a crossing from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas the vessel was run aground, resulting in foil misalignment. It was decided to ship SUN ARROW back to Messina for adjustment, but, to make matters worse, in the loading process in San Juan, Puerto Rico the hydrofoil was dropped from the crane, further damaging the vessel. The PT.50 was subsequently purchased back by Rodriquez and following repairs entered service with Aliscafi SNAV keeping its name.
A fire in the lower forward saloon, reportedly caused by a short circuit, put an end to the hydrofoil's career as it was moored in Messina harbor for the night some time ago.
(British Virgin Islands 1970, 5,- StG.256)
LR88/89 + internet.