S.S. Gothic, White Star Line

The S/S Gothic was built in 1893 by Harland & Wolff Ltd. in Belfast. The ship had a gross tonnage of 7,755 tons, a net tonnage of 4,975 tons, and a tonnage under deck of 6,644 tons. The poop deck measured 58 feet, and the forecastle was 61 feet long. The ship had one funnel, four masts, three decks, and was equipped with electric lighting and refrigerating machinery, as well as water ballast.

The vessel was powered by twin screws and featured triple expansion engines, built by Harland & Wolff. These engines had six cylinders with diameters of 26, 42 1/2, and 70 inches, each pair having a stroke of 51 inches. The engines delivered a nominal 700 horsepower, enabling the ship to achieve a speed of 14 knots.

Maiden Voyage and Early Years:
The S/S Gothic was launched on June 28, 1893, and was initially intended for the White Star Line’s New Zealand service. On December 28, 1893, the ship embarked on her maiden voyage from London to Capetown, Wellington, and other destinations. She had accommodations for 104 first-class and 114 third-class passengers.

In June 1906, the ship was damaged when its wool cargo caught fire. The vessel was beached and flooded at Plymouth, but after repairs, it was converted into an emigrant carrier. The new third-class accommodation could hold 1,800 passengers, all in four-berth cabins.

Renaming and New Ownership:
In 1908, the S/S Gothic was purchased by the Red Star Line, which registered the ship under the Belgian flag. She was renamed Gothland and began sailing on the Antwerp - New York route, with her first voyage on July 11, 1908. The ship made a round trip between Hamburg, Antwerp, Quebec, and Montreal in 1911 before returning to her original route.

In 1911, the ship briefly resumed the name Gothic and returned to the White Star Line’s UK-Australia/New Zealand service. She was again renamed Gothland and resumed service on the Antwerp - New York route on April 23, 1913.

Later Years and Final Voyages:
On June 23, 1914, the Gothic ran aground on Gunnar Rocks near the Scilly Isles. After being stranded for three days, the ship was successfully towed off and repaired in Southampton.

During World War I, from April 20, 1916, the Gothic undertook several voyages between New York, Falmouth, and Rotterdam, transporting supplies for the Belgian Relief Commission. By May 6, 1919, she was back on the Antwerp - New York route, operating only with cargo.

Passenger services resumed on August 7, 1920, and the Gothic’s final passenger voyage between Antwerp and Philadelphia took place in March 1925. The ship was sold in November 1925 and was scrapped in Bo'ness the following year.