SAS Pietermaritzburg

SAS Pietermaritzburg is a South African Navy vessel with a rich history. Originally launched as HMS Narvik by the Royal Navy during World War II, the ship was later transferred to the South African Navy and renamed SAS Pietermaritzburg.

History

The SAS Pietermaritzburg was built by the Blyth Dry Docks & Shipbuilding Company in Blyth, Northumberland, England. The ship was launched on 6 July 1944 as HMS Narvik, a whaler intended for use in the war. After the war, the ship was transferred to the South African Navy on 22 September 1947 and renamed SAS Pietermaritzburg in honour of the South African city of Pietermaritzburg.

During its service in the South African Navy, the SAS Pietermaritzburg was used primarily for hydrographic survey work. The ship was decommissioned in 1991 and later scuttled in False Bay near Simon's Town to create an artificial reef.

Design and Construction

The SAS Pietermaritzburg was designed as a Castle-class naval whaler. The ship was 120 feet long, with a beam of 25 feet and a draught of 12 feet. It was powered by a triple-expansion steam engine that drove a single screw, giving it a top speed of 10 knots.

The ship was armed with a single 3-pounder gun and depth charges. It also carried equipment for hydrographic survey work, including a echo sounder and a sextant.

Service

The SAS Pietermaritzburg saw service in both the Royal Navy and the South African Navy. During World War II, the ship was used for anti-submarine warfare and convoy escort duties. After being transferred to the South African Navy, the ship was used for hydrographic survey work.

The ship was decommissioned in 1991 and later scuttled in False Bay to create an artificial reef. Today, the wreck of the SAS Pietermaritzburg is a popular site for scuba diving.

Legacy

The SAS Pietermaritzburg is remembered for its service in both the Royal Navy and the South African Navy. The ship's name lives on in the South African city of Pietermaritzburg, and the wreck of the ship is a popular site for scuba diving.