SS Saint Ninian

S.S. "Saint Ninian" (Glasgow), Mercantile Marine

The steamer "Corsican Prince", 2276 gross tons, was torpedoed convert|3|mi|km east of Whitby on February 7 1917, and a gallant bid to rescue survivors resulted in the loss of the 3026 tonne "Saint Ninian".

This Glasgow registered ship stopped to pick up the crew of the stricken vessel and the rescue party in the ships lifeboats were horrified to see the periscope of the submarine only convert|200|yd away. Their shouts and signals were unable to alert the "Saint Ninian" and a torpedo discharged at point blank range caused massive explosion between the engine room and No 3 hold. The ship sank almost instantaneously. Half the crew of 28 were lost, including the master, and those rescued were found clinging to the upturned keel of a lifeboat.

From the "Corsican Prince", all but one were saved by the selfless and heroic actions of the crew of "Saint Ninian", whose brave efforts were in the finest tradition of the Merchant Services. "Corsican Prince" was built by Short Bros of Sunderland in 1900. Engines were 3cy, 23, 38 and 62-42 by North Eastern Marine Engineering Co. Dimensions of the ship were 316ft long by convert|42|ft|m|abbr=on beam. 2SB 6CF.

"Saint Ninian" Built by MaKay and Company in 1894, this 3026 ton Glasgow steamer lost 16 of her crew, including the captain, during the heroic rescue of the survivors of the "Corsican Prince". Details of the wreck: Builder, Henderson and Co Glasgow 1894. Engine details: 3cy 24, 38 and 62-42. 2SB 6PF. Dimensions: 320ft long by convert|42|ft|m|abbr=on beam. Engines:TCY. There are wrecks charted in this area recorded by sonar surveys, one at 54 29 00N 00 28 25W rising 8 m in a charted depth of 36 m, and the other at 54 29 12N 00 28 20W.