HMS Euphrates (1866) facts for kids
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | HMS Euphrates |
| Ordered | 1865 |
| Builder | Laird Brothers of Birkenhead |
| Yard number | 325 |
| Launched | 24 November 1866 |
| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Euphrates-class troopship |
| Type | Troopship |
| Displacement | 6,211 tons, 4,173 tons BM |
| Length | 360 ft (109.7 m) (overall) |
| Beam | 49 ft 1.5 in (15.0 m) |
| Depth of hold | 22 ft 4 in (6.81 m) |
| Installed power |
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| Propulsion |
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| Sail plan | Barque |
| Speed | 15 kn (28 km/h) |
| Armament | Three 4-pounder guns |
HMS Euphrates was a special kind of ship called a troopship. It was built a long time ago, in 1866, to help the British Navy move soldiers and their families. This big iron ship was launched in England and was the fourth ship to be named Euphrates. Its main job was to carry people all the way from England to India.
Contents
About the Euphrates Class Ships
The Euphrates was part of a group of five ships, all built with strong iron hulls. These ships were all very similar in size. They were about 360 feet (110 meters) long and 49 feet (15 meters) wide.
How the Euphrates Sailed
These ships used both steam power and sails. They had one propeller and could reach a speed of about 14 knots (26 km/h or 16 mph). Their sails were set up like a barque, which means they had square sails on the front two masts and a fore-and-aft sail on the back mast. The ship also had three small guns for defense. Its hull was painted white. The front of the ship, called the bow, was designed to stick out below the water. This was known as a "ram bow."
Euphrates in Service
The Royal Navy used HMS Euphrates to transport many people. It could carry up to 1,200 soldiers and their families. The ship would travel from Portsmouth, England, all the way to Bombay (now Mumbai) in India. A round trip, going through the Suez Canal, usually took about 70 days.
Engine Upgrades and Speed
In 1873, the ship's original steam engines were replaced. The new engines were more efficient, meaning they used less fuel. However, they were not as powerful. This change meant the ship's top speed when using only steam dropped to about 11 knots (20 km/h or 13 mph).
Incidents and Accidents
Like many ships, the Euphrates had a few accidents during its time at sea:
- On February 28, 1870, it crashed into another ship, the Bates Family, in Bombay, India.
- On December 19, 1883, it got stuck on the ground near Gibraltar. Luckily, it was able to float free the very next day.
- On February 6, 1892, it collided with a German ship called Gutenfels in the Suez Canal. The Gutenfels had some damage to its side and upper parts.
The End of the Euphrates
After many years of service, HMS Euphrates was sold. It was bought by a person named I Cohen in Portsmouth on November 23, 1894. Then, in August 1895, it was sold again to Henry Castle and Son. They bought the ship to take it apart for its materials, which is called "breaking."
