SS Fazilka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
| Owner | British-India Steam Navigation Company |
| Builder | William Doxford and Sons |
| Launched | 17 August 1890 |
| Fate | wrecked 31 October 1919, on the east coast of Great Nicobar Island |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement | 4,152 long tons (4,219 t) |
| Length | 366 ft (112 m) o/a |
| Beam | 48.2 ft (14.7 m) |
| Draught | 26.5 ft (8.1 m) |
| Propulsion | triple expansion, 462 nhp, steam engines |
| Speed | 12.5 knots (23.2 km/h; 14.4 mph) |
The SS Fazilka was a large steamship built in 1890. She was 366 feet (112 m) long, 48.2 feet (14.7 m) wide, and had a 26.5 feet (8.1 m) draught. This means how deep the ship sits in the water.
The ship was built by William Doxford and Sons for the British-India Steam Navigation Company. She had powerful steam engines that allowed her to travel at a top speed of 12.5 knots. The Fazilka was used for different important tasks during her time at sea.
Carrying People and Goods
The Fazilka was often used to carry people from one country to another. On October 31, 1904, she took migrants from London all the way to Brisbane, Australia.
However, her main job was to transport Indian indentured labourers. These were people who agreed to work in other countries, like colonies, for a set period. They traveled by ship to new places for work.
Here are some of the journeys the Fazilka made to Fiji with passengers:
| Destination | Date of Arrival | Number of Passengers | Deaths During Voyage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiji | 28 March 1901 | 804 | n/a |
| Fiji | 18 June 1901 | 776 | n/a |
| Fiji | 20 June 1902 | 840 | n/a |
| Fiji | 17 April 1906 | 881 | n/a |
| Fiji | 28 January 1907 | 875 | n/a |
| Fiji | 25 April 1907 | 796 | n/a |
A Ship for Soldiers
The Fazilka also served as a troop ship, carrying soldiers during the Boer War. On January 30, 1900, she left Port Natal (in South Africa) to return to India.
Four days later, a serious problem occurred. The ship's tail shaft, a very important part that connects the engine to the propeller, broke in two places. This also damaged the stern tube, which protects the shaft.
The engineers on board, led by Mr. Brown, faced a huge challenge. They had to work in very difficult conditions to fix the shaft. They tried different ways to repair it. Finally, they used parts from the high-pressure engine to create a clamp. This held the broken shaft together.
They then connected the other broken end with a special coupling. Using only the low-pressure engines, the Fazilka was able to reach Colombo at 9 knots (17 km/h). This was an amazing repair done at sea. The engineers were rewarded for their bravery and skill. John Macdonald, the 4th Engineer, received a Gold watch and £30.
The Final Voyage
The Fazilka's journey ended on October 31, 1919. She was wrecked on the east coast of Great Nicobar Island. At the time, she was traveling from Penang to Calcutta, carrying passengers and various goods.
See also
- Indian Indenture Ships to Fiji
- Indian indenture system
