SS Radaas facts for kids
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|} The SS Radaas was a large cargo ship that sailed the seas over 100 years ago. She was a steamship, meaning she used a steam engine to move. This ship was built in 1890 and had a few different names during her time. She was known as Marstonmoor, then Athos Romanos, and finally Radaas. Sadly, her journey ended during World War I when she was sunk by a German submarine in 1917.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name |
|
| Owner |
|
| Builder | J. Readhead & Sons, South Shields |
| Yard number | 264 |
| Launched | 17 September 1890 |
| Completed | December 1890 |
| Fate | Torpedoed and sunk on 21 September 1917 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Cargo ship |
| Tonnage | 2,524 GRT |
| Length | 290 ft (88 m) |
| Beam | 40 ft (12 m) |
| Depth | 20 ft (6.1 m) |
| Installed power | 234 nhp |
| Propulsion | Triple expansion engine |
The Ship's Early Life
The Radaas started her life in 1890. She was built by a company called J. Readhead & Sons in South Shields, a town in England. When she was first launched, she was named Marstonmoor. She was owned by a shipping company called Moor Line.
What Was a Cargo Ship?
A cargo ship is a type of vessel designed to carry goods and materials from one port to another. The Radaas was a "cargo steamship," which means she used a steam engine for power. She was quite large for her time, weighing 2,524 tons. She was about 290 feet (88 meters) long, which is longer than a football field!
Changing Names and Owners
Over the years, the ship changed hands a few times.
- In 1902, she was sold to a company in Greece. Her name was changed to Athos Romanos.
- Later, during World War I, she was sold again in 1916. This time, she was bought by a company in Denmark and was renamed Radaas.
The Final Voyage of Radaas
The Radaas's last journey was on September 21, 1917. She was traveling from Tyne, a port in England, to Bordeaux, a city in France. During this time, World War I was happening, and the seas were dangerous.
Sunk by a Submarine
While she was sailing, the Radaas was attacked by a German submarine called UB-40. The submarine was commanded by a person named Hans Howaldt. The UB-40 fired a torpedo, which is like an underwater missile. The torpedo hit the Radaas on her left side.
The ship was about 18 miles (29 kilometers) west of a place called Portland Bill when she was hit. After being struck by the torpedo, the Radaas sank.
Where the Wreck Lies Today
Today, the remains of the Radaas lie on the sandy seabed. She rests at a depth of about 30 meters (98 feet). Her location is near the coordinates 50°34′13″N 3°4′50″W / 50.57028°N 3.08056°W. Sometimes, divers explore shipwrecks like the Radaas to learn more about history and the ocean.
