SS Snaefell (1906)

Snaefell
History
Name	1906: Viper
Namesake	Snaefell
Owner	1906-1920 G. and J. Burns and Co. 1920–1945: IOMSPCo.
Operator	1906-1920 G. and J. Burns and Co. 1920–1945: IOMSPCo.
Port of registry	Douglas, Isle of Man
Builder	Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Govan.
Yard number	444
Launched	10 March 1906
Acquired	22 March 1920
In service	1906
Out of service	1945
Identification	UK {official number]] 121331
Fate	Laid up at Port Glasgow 1945, finally scrapped 1949
General characteristics
Type	packet steamer
Tonnage	1,713 GRT
Length	315 feet (96 m)
Beam	39 feet 6 inches (12.04 m)
Depth	16 feet 6 inches (5.03 m)
Propulsion	Steam turbine driven screw-propellers
Speed	21 knots (39 km/h; 24 mph)
Capacity	1,700 passengers
Crew	61

SS Snaefell (IV), the fourth ship in the company's history to be so named, was a packet steamer originally owned and operated by G. and J. Burns, who sold her to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company in 1920.

Originally named Viper built for the Irish Channel service between Scotland and Ireland, she was a steel; triple-screw turbine driven vessel. Viper was built at Govan by Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, launched 10 March 1906.^[1]

The vessel's dimensions were a length of 315'; beam 39'6"; and depth 16'6". Viper's engines developed 6,500 i.h.p. which gave her a service speed of 21 knots. She had accommodation for 1,700 passengers and a crew of 61.

Viper was purchased by the Steam Packet on 22 March 1920 and renamed Snaefell. The consideration was £160,000.

Under her original owners, G. and J. Burns, Viper was employed on the company's Ardrossan-Belfast service. Purchased by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company in 1920, she was renamed Snaefell, and served the numerous routes then operated by the company.

Under her original owners, the vessel saw service in the First World War as a troopship. Little is known of her Great War service, but it is fair to assume she was used mainly for trooping duties between the Kent ports, Southampton and the main French port serving the British Expeditionary Force at Le Havre. Viper was one of few transport ships which did not require the protection of an escort as her service speed was judged to provide her with enough protection.^[2]

At the outbreak of war, the Steam Packet operated a fleet comprising 16 ships. The Rushen Castle and Snaefell were kept to maintain the Isle of Man's vital link with the mainland, Snaefell primarily as a relief vessel. For a while the Victoria joined them, and the Peveril, Conister and Cushag stayed on to handle freight.

Snaefell was again requisitioned and again used as a troopship, but after one year she was returned to the company and resumed her duty serving the Island's wartime link with the mainland, first to Liverpool and then to Fleetwood.

On the cessation of the war, Snaefell was withdrawn from service in 1945, and sold for breaking.

After a life spanning 42 years, Snaefell was finally broken up in 1949. Its wooden staircase bannisters are now included within HQS Wellington in London.

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  SS Viper
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  Snaefell approaches Douglas
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  Snaefell in Steam Packet service

Bibliography

• Chappell, Connery (1980). Island Lifeline T.Stephenson & Sons Ltd ISBN 0-901314-20-X