SS Rohilla

SS Rohilla, Port-Said

SS Rohilla was a British passenger ship that met a tragic end off the coast of North Yorkshire, England, in 1914. Originally built for the British India Steam Navigation Company, the SS Rohilla was named after the Rohilla Afghan tribes of the North-West Frontier Province in British India. The ship was launched in 1906 and was primarily used for passenger and mail services between England and India. However, with the outbreak of World War I, the SS Rohilla was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and converted into a hospital ship to transport wounded soldiers.

History

The SS Rohilla was constructed by Harland and Wolff in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Upon its completion, the ship was 7,124 tons and measured 450 feet in length and 58 feet in breadth. It was powered by triple-expansion steam engines, which allowed it to maintain a service speed of 15 knots. The Rohilla could accommodate both passengers and cargo, making it a versatile vessel for the British India Steam Navigation Company's operations.

World War I Service

With the advent of World War I, the British Admiralty requisitioned many civilian vessels for war service, including the SS Rohilla. In 1914, the ship was converted into a hospital ship, a role that required significant modifications. These changes included painting the vessel white with large red crosses, which were internationally recognized symbols indicating that the ship was engaged in non-combatant, medical activities. Despite these markings, which were supposed to safeguard the ship under the Geneva Convention, the dangers of wartime seas remained high.

The Wreck

On 30 October 1914, while on a voyage from Queensferry, Scotland, to Dunkirk, France, with 229 persons on board, the SS Rohilla struck rocks off the coast of Whitby, North Yorkshire, during a severe storm. The ship was only a few miles from shore, but the heavy seas and strong winds made rescue operations extremely difficult. Over the course of three days, lifeboats from Whitby, Tynemouth, and other surrounding communities attempted to reach the stricken vessel and save those on board. Despite their heroic efforts, 85 lives were lost in the tragedy.

Aftermath and Legacy

The loss of the SS Rohilla was a significant event, highlighting the perils faced by hospital ships and other vessels during wartime, even when marked for humanitarian service. The wreck prompted discussions about the safety of ships navigating the treacherous waters around Britain during conflicts and led to improvements in rescue techniques and equipment.

The remains of the SS Rohilla still lie off the coast of Whitby, and over the years, it has become a popular site for diving enthusiasts. The tragedy is also commemorated in Whitby, with memorials and exhibitions dedicated to those who lost their lives and the bravery of the rescuers.

See Also

• Hospital ship
• World War I
• Shipwreck