SS Saltfleet was a 1,051 GRT coaster built in 1944 by John Lewis & Sons Ltd, Aberdeen, originally launched under the name Empire Cheyne for the British Ministry of War Transport (MoWT). She was sold in 1946 to the Ouse Steamship Co Ltd, Goole, and renamed Saltfleet.
Construction and Specifications
- Builder: John Lewis & Sons Ltd, Aberdeen (Yard No. 182)
- Launched: 17 October 1944
- Completed: 26 December 1944
- Length: 205 ft 0 in (62.48 m)
- Beam: 32 ft 8 in (9.96 m)
- Depth: 13 ft 7 in (4.14 m)
- Tonnage: 1,051 GRT, 538 NRT
- Propulsion: Triple expansion steam engine driving a single screw propeller
- Identification: Code Letters GDTW; UK Official Number 180270
Operational History
The ship was initially placed under the management of E P Atkinson & Sons, Goole, with her port of registry at Aberdeen. After being sold to the Ouse Steamship Co Ltd in 1946 and renamed Saltfleet, her port of registry changed to Goole, though she remained under the same management.
Grounding and Loss
On 3 October 1951, while on a voyage from Goole to Poole carrying a cargo of coal, Saltfleet ran aground at Reedness, East Riding of Yorkshire. The following day she rolled onto her side. Salvage operations began in December 1951 but were abandoned in October 1952. When salvage resumed in May 1953, it was discovered that the vessel had broken her back. In March 1954, the wreck was cut in half. The bow section was raised on 28 May 1954 and taken away for scrapping. The stern section was raised in September 1954, floated up-river, and scrapped in October 1954.
