SS Antilles

SS Antilles‏‎ was a passenger ship built in 1953 by the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The ship was owned and operated by the French Line, also known as Compagnie Générale Transatlantique. The SS Antilles was primarily used for transatlantic crossings between Europe and the Caribbean.

Design and Construction

The SS Antilles was designed by the renowned naval architect Roger-Henri Expert. The ship was 172.6 meters long, 22 meters wide, and had a gross tonnage of 19,828. The ship was powered by two steam turbine engines, which drove two propellers, allowing the ship to reach a top speed of 22 knots.

Service History

The SS Antilles began service in 1953, primarily operating on the Le Havre - New York - West Indies route. The ship was known for its luxurious accommodations and was popular among wealthy travelers. In 1971, the ship was transferred to the Mediterranean service, operating between Marseille and Algiers.

Sinking

On January 8, 1971, the SS Antilles ran aground on a reef near Mustique, in the Grenadines. Despite the efforts of the crew, the ship caught fire and was eventually abandoned. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated, but the ship was a total loss.

Legacy

The wreck of the SS Antilles remains a popular site for scuba diving and is considered one of the most significant shipwrecks in the Caribbean. The ship's sinking also led to significant changes in maritime safety regulations, particularly regarding the use of lifeboats and fire safety measures on passenger ships.