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{{Infobox Ship Career
{{Infobox ship career
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|Ship country= [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|United Kingdom]];[[Norway]]
|Ship country= [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|United Kingdom]];[[Norway]]
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|Ship in service=
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|Ship out of service=
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|Ship identification = *UK Official Number 124115
|Ship identification = *UK [[Official Number]] 124115
*[[Call sign#Ships and boats|Call sign]] HMPG (1908-1913)
*[[Maritime call sign|Call sign]] HMPG (1908-1913)
*{{ICS|Hotel}}{{ICS|Mike}}{{ICS|Papa}}{{ICS|Golf}}
*{{ICS|Hotel}}{{ICS|Mike}}{{ICS|Papa}}{{ICS|Golf}}
*[[Call sign#Ships and boats|Call sign]] MJHN (1913-1914)
*[[Maritime call sign|Call sign]] MJHN (1913-1914)
*{{ICS|Mike}}{{ICS|Juliet}}{{ICS|Hotel}}{{ICS|November}}
*{{ICS|Mike}}{{ICS|Juliet}}{{ICS|Hotel}}{{ICS|November}}
|Ship renamed=
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|Ship original cost=
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|Ship fate=Wrecked, 26 November 1914
|Ship fate=Wrecked, 26 November 1914
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|Ship class=
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|Ship type=Cargo Ship
|Ship type=[[Cargo ship]]
|Ship tonnage=*{{GRT|4223}}<ref name=lloyds/>
|Ship tonnage=*{{GRT|4223}}<ref name=lloyds/>
*{{NRT|2742}}<ref name=lloyds/>
*{{NRT|2742}}<ref name=lloyds/>
*{{DWT|7,300}}
*[[Deadweight tonnage|deadweight]] 7,300
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|Ship length={{convert|360|ft|2|in|m|abbr=on}}
|Ship length={{convert|360|ft|2|in|m|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam={{convert|48|ft|0|in|m|abbr=on}}
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'''''Belle of Spain''''' was a steam cargo ship built in 1908 by the [[Northumberland Shipbuilding Company|Northumberland Shipbuilding Co]] of [[Newcastle-upon-Tyne|Newcastle]] for [[Crow, Rudolf & Company|Crow, Rudolf & Co]] of [[Liverpool]]. The ship was designed and built for general cargo trade and spent her career doing [[Tramp trade|tramp trade]].
'''''Belle of Spain''''' was a steam cargo ship built in 1908 by the [[Northumberland Shipbuilding Company|Northumberland Shipbuilding Co]] of [[Newcastle-upon-Tyne|Newcastle]] for [[Crow, Rudolf & Company|Crow, Rudolf & Co]] of [[Liverpool]]. The ship was designed and built for general cargo trade and spent her career doing [[tramp trade]].


==Design and Construction==
==Design and construction==
In early 1900s Crow, Rudolf & Co ordered two ships, ''Belle of England'' and ''Belle of France'', to carry cargo for their merchant operations. With their trade expanding, three more ships were ordered in subsequent years, with ''Belle of Spain'' being the last of the five ''Belle'' ships built for the company. The vessel was laid down at Northumberland Shipbuilding Co. shipyard in Howdon and launched on 5 December 1907 (yard number 149),<ref name=tyne>{{cite web |url=http://www.tynebuiltships.co.uk/B-Ships/belleofspain1908.html |title=Tyne Built Ships: Belle of Spain |accessdate=July 28, 2018}}</ref> with Mrs. P. W. Bertlin, of Jesmond, serving as a sponsor.<ref>{{cite news |title=Howdon-on-Tyne. |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |newspaper=Shields Daily News. |date=6 December 1907 |page=3}}</ref> After successful completion of sea trials, ''Belle of Spain'' was handed over to her owners in January 1908. The vessel was primarily intended for general cargo trade, and 8 steam winches, and large number of cargo derricks were installed to facilitate quick cargo loading and unloading process. In addition, accommodations for a large number of first and second-class passengers in houses on the bridge deck were built.
In early 1900s Crow, Rudolf & Co ordered two ships, ''Belle of England'' and ''Belle of France'', to carry cargo for their merchant operations. With their trade expanding, three more ships were ordered in subsequent years, with ''Belle of Spain'' being the last of the five ''Belle'' ships built for the company. The vessel was laid down at Northumberland Shipbuilding Co. shipyard in Howdon and launched on 5 December 1907 (yard number 149),<ref name=tyne>{{cite web |url=http://www.tynebuiltships.co.uk/B-Ships/belleofspain1908.html |title=Tyne Built Ships: Belle of Spain |accessdate=July 28, 2018}}</ref> with Mrs. P. W. Bertlin, of Jesmond, serving as a sponsor.<ref>{{cite news |title=Howdon-on-Tyne. |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |newspaper=Shields Daily News. |date=6 December 1907 |page=3}}</ref> After successful completion of sea trials, ''Belle of Spain'' was handed over to her owners in January 1908. The vessel was primarily intended for general cargo trade, and 8 steam winches, and large number of cargo derricks were installed to facilitate quick cargo loading and unloading process. In addition, accommodations for a large number of first and second-class passengers in houses on the bridge deck were built.


As built, the ship was {{convert|360|ft|2|in|m}} long ([[length between perpendiculars|between perpendiculars]]) and {{convert|48|ft|0|in|m}} [[beam (nautical)|abeam]], a [[mean]] [[draft (hull)|draft]] of {{convert|20|ft|2|in|m}}.<ref name=lloyds>{{cite book |year=1908-1909 |title=Lloyd's Register, Steamships and Motorships |location=London |publisher=[[Lloyd's Register]]}}</ref> ''Belle of Spain'' was assessed at {{GRT|4223}} and {{NRT|2742}} and had [[Deadweight tonnage|deadweight]] of approximately 7,300.<ref name=lloyds/> The vessel had a steel hull, and a single 372 [[nominal horsepower|nhp]] [[triple-expansion steam engine]], with cylinders of {{convert|25|in|cm|adj=on}}, {{convert|41|in|cm|adj=on}} and {{convert|69|in|cm|adj=on}} diameter with a {{convert|48|in|cm|adj=on}} [[stroke (engine)|stroke]], that drove a single screw propeller, and moved the ship at up to {{convert|10.0|kn|mph km/h}}.<ref name=lloyds/>
As built, the ship was {{convert|360|ft|2|in|m}} long ([[length between perpendiculars|between perpendiculars]]) and {{convert|48|ft|0|in|m}} [[beam (nautical)|abeam]], a [[mean]] [[draft (hull)|draft]] of {{convert|20|ft|2|in|m}}.<ref name=lloyds>{{cite book |year=1908–1909 |title=Lloyd's Register, Steamships and Motorships |location=London |publisher=[[Lloyd's Register]]}}</ref> ''Belle of Spain'' was assessed at {{GRT|4223}} and {{NRT|2742}} and had [[Deadweight tonnage|deadweight]] of approximately 7,300.<ref name=lloyds/> The vessel had a steel hull, and a single 372 [[nominal horsepower|nhp]] [[triple-expansion steam engine]], with cylinders of {{convert|25|in|cm|adj=on}}, {{convert|41|in|cm|adj=on}} and {{convert|69|in|cm|adj=on}} diameter with a {{convert|48|in|cm|adj=on}} [[stroke (engine)|stroke]], that drove a single screw propeller, and moved the ship at up to {{convert|10.0|kn|mph km/h}}.<ref name=lloyds/>


To operate the vessel, a holding company, Belle of Spain Steamship Co Ltd, was registered on January 16, 1908 with capital of £15,000.
To operate the vessel, a holding company, Belle of Spain Steamship Co Ltd, was registered on January 16, 1908 with capital of £15,000.
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The ship conducted two more trips down to South America from England in 1908. For her second trip, she sailed from [[Barry, Vale of Glamorgan|Barry]] on June 16, 1908, arriving in Montevideo on July 15 via Dunkirk and [[Tenerife]]. The vessel departed Rosario for her return journey on August 31, called at St. Vincent on September 18, and arrived in [[Belfast]] on September 30.<ref>{{cite news |title=Steamship Movement. |date=2 October 1908 |newspaper=London Standard |page=3 }}</ref> ''Belle of Spain'' left for her third trip from Barry on October 14 to load cargo at Cardiff, Dunkirk, Havre and [[Pauillac]]. She left from Pauillac on October 30 and arrived at Montevideo on November 27 via [[Vigo]] and Tenerife.<ref>{{cite news |title=Steamship Movement. |date=30 November 1908 |newspaper=London Standard |page=3 }}</ref> The ship again visited ports of Buenos Aires and Rosario but this time she also continued to [[Santos, São Paulo|Santos]] arriving there on December 19. The ship was loaded with 44,628 bags of coffee and departed Santos on January 2, 1909 for Havre, which she reached on January 29.<ref>{{cite news |title=Manifests of Coffee. |date=12 January 1909 |newspaper=The Brazilian Review |volume=XII |number=2 |page=53 }}</ref>
The ship conducted two more trips down to South America from England in 1908. For her second trip, she sailed from [[Barry, Vale of Glamorgan|Barry]] on June 16, 1908, arriving in Montevideo on July 15 via Dunkirk and [[Tenerife]]. The vessel departed Rosario for her return journey on August 31, called at St. Vincent on September 18, and arrived in [[Belfast]] on September 30.<ref>{{cite news |title=Steamship Movement. |date=2 October 1908 |newspaper=London Standard |page=3 }}</ref> ''Belle of Spain'' left for her third trip from Barry on October 14 to load cargo at Cardiff, Dunkirk, Havre and [[Pauillac]]. She left from Pauillac on October 30 and arrived at Montevideo on November 27 via [[Vigo]] and Tenerife.<ref>{{cite news |title=Steamship Movement. |date=30 November 1908 |newspaper=London Standard |page=3 }}</ref> The ship again visited ports of Buenos Aires and Rosario but this time she also continued to [[Santos, São Paulo|Santos]] arriving there on December 19. The ship was loaded with 44,628 bags of coffee and departed Santos on January 2, 1909 for Havre, which she reached on January 29.<ref>{{cite news |title=Manifests of Coffee. |date=12 January 1909 |newspaper=The Brazilian Review |volume=XII |number=2 |page=53 }}</ref>


Upon return to England, the ship was chartered for one trip to Southeast Asia, and left Cardiff for [[Colombo]] on February 19. After passing through the [[Suez Canal]] on March 7, the vessel reached her destination on March 23. From Ceylon, the vessel continued on, visiting ports of Madras, [[Vasai|Bassein]] and [[Rangoon]]. She sailed from Rangoon on her return trip for Hamburg on April 29 and arrived at [[Cuxhaven]] on June 16.
Upon return to England, the ship was chartered for one trip to Southeast Asia, and left Cardiff for [[Colombo]] on February 19. After passing through the [[Suez Canal]] on March 7, the vessel reached her destination on March 23. From Ceylon, the vessel continued on, visiting ports of Madras, [[Vasai|Bassein]] and [[Rangoon]]. She sailed from Rangoon on her return trip for Hamburg on April 29 and arrived at [[Cuxhaven]] on June 16.


From Germany the ship sailed to Sweden via Newcastle where she loaded iron ore at [[Luleå]] and left for [[Philadelphia]] on July 10. The vessel made a stopover at [[South Shields]] on her way over to North America, departing it on July 19, 1909.<ref>{{cite news |title=Steamship Movement. |date=21 July 1909 |newspaper=London Standard |page=3 }}</ref> During the journey in the Atlantic, the vessel experienced some rough weather and had to stay in Philadelphia for minor repairs. Subsequently, she was chartered by the [[Dominion Steel Company]] to transport steel rails from the company's plant in Nova Scotia to the site of [[Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad]] being constructed on the West coast of Canada. ''Belle of Spain'' continued on to [[North Sydney, Nova Scotia|North Sydney]], where she took on around 6,000 tons of rails and left Sydney on September 1, 1909. During the trip, the vessel ran into more rough weather and had her steering gear damaged, and as a result she had to call in [[St. Lucia]] for repairs on September 10. It took over a month to finalize her repairs, and it was not until October 18 that the ship could leave St. Lucia. ''Belle of Spain'' proceeded then to [[Prince Rupert, British Columbia|Prince Rupert]] by rounding the [[Cape Horn]], and called at [[Nanaimo]] on November 14 to replenish her bunkers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Belle of Spain Here with Rails. |date=16 November 1909 |newspaper=Victoria Daily Colonist |page=14 }}</ref> During her long journey, one of the officers on board went insane, and had to be institutionalized upon arrival at Prince Rupert.<ref>{{cite news |title=Belle of Spain Officer Went Insane. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22921115/vancouver_daily_world/ |date=9 December 1909 |newspaper=Vancouver Daily World |page=19 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] }}{{free access}}</ref>
From Germany the ship sailed to Sweden via Newcastle where she loaded iron ore at [[Luleå]] and left for [[Philadelphia]] on July 10. The vessel made a stopover at [[South Shields]] on her way over to North America, departing it on July 19, 1909.<ref>{{cite news |title=Steamship Movement. |date=21 July 1909 |newspaper=London Standard |page=3 }}</ref> During the journey in the Atlantic, the vessel experienced some rough weather and had to stay in Philadelphia for minor repairs. Subsequently, she was chartered by the [[Dominion Steel Company]] to transport steel rails from the company's plant in Nova Scotia to the site of [[Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad]] being constructed on the West coast of Canada. ''Belle of Spain'' continued on to [[North Sydney, Nova Scotia|North Sydney]], where she took on around 6,000 tons of rails and left Sydney on September 1, 1909. During the trip, the vessel ran into more rough weather and had her steering gear damaged, and as a result she had to call in [[St. Lucia]] for repairs on September 10. It took over a month to finalize her repairs, and it was not until October 18 that the ship could leave St. Lucia. ''Belle of Spain'' proceeded then to [[Prince Rupert, British Columbia|Prince Rupert]] by rounding the [[Cape Horn]], and called at [[Nanaimo]] on November 14 to replenish her bunkers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Belle of Spain Here with Rails. |date=16 November 1909 |newspaper=Victoria Daily Colonist |page=14 }}</ref> During her long journey, one of the officers on board went insane, and had to be institutionalized upon arrival at Prince Rupert.<ref>{{cite news |title=Belle of Spain Officer Went Insane. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22921115/vancouver_daily_world/ |date=9 December 1909 |newspaper=The Vancouver World |page=19 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] }}{{free access}}</ref>


Upon unloading, ''Belle of Spain'' was chartered to carry phosphate rock from [[Banaba Island|Ocean Island]] to Europe, and departed Victoria on December 21, 1909. After loading her cargo the ship departed Ocean Island on January 29, 1910 and arrived at [[Stettin]] on April 13 via Colombo and Malta.<ref>{{cite news |title=Schiffsverkehrs-Meldungen. |date=16 April 1910 |newspaper=Hamburgischer Correspondent und neue hamburgische Börsen-Halle |page=23 }}</ref> ''Belle of Spain'' afterwards proceeded to England and left from [[Newport, Wales|Newport]] on May 6 for [[Bahía Blanca]] which she reached on June 5.<ref>{{cite news |title=Steamship Movements. |date=9 June 1910 |newspaper=London Standard |page=3 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Steamship Movements. |date=9 May 1910 |newspaper=London Standard |page=3 }}</ref>
Upon unloading, ''Belle of Spain'' was chartered to carry phosphate rock from [[Banaba Island|Ocean Island]] to Europe, and departed Victoria on December 21, 1909. After loading her cargo the ship departed Ocean Island on January 29, 1910 and arrived at [[Stettin]] on April 13 via Colombo and Malta.<ref>{{cite news |title=Schiffsverkehrs-Meldungen. |date=16 April 1910 |newspaper=Hamburgischer Correspondent und neue hamburgische Börsen-Halle |page=23 }}</ref> ''Belle of Spain'' afterwards proceeded to England and left from [[Newport, Wales|Newport]] on May 6 for [[Bahía Blanca]] which she reached on June 5.<ref>{{cite news |title=Steamship Movements. |date=9 June 1910 |newspaper=London Standard |page=3 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Steamship Movements. |date=9 May 1910 |newspaper=London Standard |page=3 }}</ref>


Next, the vessel was chartered to transport coal from [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]] to the West coast of South America, and left Bahía Blanca on June 16. The ship called at [[Durban]] and arrived at her destination on August 2. After loading 5,619 tons of coal, ''Belle of Spain'' departed Newcastle on August 19 for [[Talcahuano]] and arrived there on September 16.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coal Shipments. |date=22 August 1910 |newspaper=Daily Commercial News and Shipping List |page=3 }}</ref> The vessel was afterwards chartered by the [[W. R. Grace and Company|W. R. Grace & Co]] and proceeded to [[Valparaíso]], [[Antofagasta]] and [[Iquique]] to load 4,500 tons of nitrates for delivery to California. ''Belle of Spain'' arrived in San Francisco on November 30, 1910.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shipping Intelligence. |date=1 December 1910 |newspaper=San Francisco Call |page=15 }}</ref> After unloading most of her cargo, the vessel continued north calling at several Pacific ports. For example, the ship unloaded about 1,100 tons of her cargo at [[Victoria, British Columbia|Victoria]] on December 20.<ref>{{cite news |title=Belle of Spain Here with Nitrate. |date=21 December 1910 |newspaper=Vancouver Daily World |page=14 }}</ref> Next, ''Belle of Spain'' proceeded to Puget Sound and loaded approximately 1,000,000 feet of redwood, over 50,000 railroad ties, wheat and flour for delivery to South American ports. The ship stopped at San Francisco to load about 50,000 more feet of lumber before sailing for Peruvian and Chilean ports on January 16, 1911.<ref>{{cite news |title=News of the Ocean. |date=17 January 1911 |newspaper=San Francisco Call |page=15 }}</ref> ''Belle of Spain'' continued nitrate-sugar-lumber trade for the remainder of her 10 month-long charter with W. R. Grace & Co. until November 1911 when she was chartered for one trip to bring nitrate of soda cargo to the US. The ship departed Iquique on December 19, 1911, stopped at [[Punta Arenas]] and Montevideo and arrived in Philadelphia on February 18, 1912.<ref>{{cite news |title=News of the Ships and Shipping Men. |date=20 February 1912 |newspaper=Philadelphia Inquirer |page=11 }}</ref>
Next, the vessel was chartered to transport coal from [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]] to the West coast of South America, and left Bahía Blanca on June 16. The ship called at [[Durban]] and arrived at her destination on August 2. After loading 5,619 tons of coal, ''Belle of Spain'' departed Newcastle on August 19 for [[Talcahuano]] and arrived there on September 16.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coal Shipments. |date=22 August 1910 |newspaper=Daily Commercial News and Shipping List |page=3 }}</ref> The vessel was afterwards chartered by the [[W. R. Grace and Company|W. R. Grace & Co]] and proceeded to [[Valparaíso]], [[Antofagasta]] and [[Iquique]] to load 4,500 tons of nitrates for delivery to California. ''Belle of Spain'' arrived in San Francisco on November 30, 1910.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shipping Intelligence. |date=1 December 1910 |newspaper=San Francisco Call |page=15 }}</ref> After unloading most of her cargo, the vessel continued north calling at several Pacific ports. For example, the ship unloaded about 1,100 tons of her cargo at [[Victoria, British Columbia|Victoria]] on December 20.<ref>{{cite news |title=Belle of Spain Here with Nitrate. |date=21 December 1910 |newspaper=Vancouver Daily World |page=14 }}</ref> Next, ''Belle of Spain'' proceeded to Puget Sound and loaded approximately 1,000,000 feet of redwood, over 50,000 railroad ties, wheat and flour for delivery to South American ports. The ship stopped at San Francisco to load about 50,000 more feet of lumber before sailing for Peruvian and Chilean ports on January 16, 1911.<ref>{{cite news |title=News of the Ocean. |date=17 January 1911 |newspaper=San Francisco Call |page=15 }}</ref> ''Belle of Spain'' continued nitrate-sugar-lumber trade for the remainder of her 10 month-long charter with W. R. Grace & Co. until November 1911 when she was chartered for one trip to bring nitrate of soda cargo to the US. The ship departed Iquique on December 19, 1911, stopped at [[Punta Arenas]] and Montevideo and arrived in Philadelphia on February 18, 1912.<ref>{{cite news |title=News of the Ships and Shipping Men. |date=20 February 1912 |newspaper=Philadelphia Inquirer |page=11 }}</ref>


From Philadelphia the ship sailed to [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]] and [[Savannah, Georgia|Savannah]] where she took on, among other things, 3,300 tons of phosphate pebble and 6,145 bales of cotton, respectively, for delivery to Bremen and Hamburg.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shipping News. |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |newspaper=Commercial & Financial Chronicle |volume=94 |number=2440 |date=30 March 1912 |page=926}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Phosphate Rock Shipments. |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |newspaper=American Fertilizer|volume=36 |number=8 |date=20 April 1912 |page=51}}</ref> ''Belle of Spain'' departed Savannah on March 28 and arrived at Cuxhaven on April 27. Upon unloading, the ship departed from Cardiff on May 18, 1912 for the West coast of South America and returned to Antwerp on November 5 with a cargo of nitrates.
From Philadelphia the ship sailed to [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]] and [[Savannah, Georgia|Savannah]] where she took on, among other things, 3,300 tons of phosphate pebble and 6,145 bales of cotton, respectively, for delivery to Bremen and Hamburg.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shipping News. |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |newspaper=Commercial & Financial Chronicle |volume=94 |number=2440 |date=30 March 1912 |page=926}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Phosphate Rock Shipments. |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |newspaper=American Fertilizer|volume=36 |number=8 |date=20 April 1912 |page=51}}</ref> ''Belle of Spain'' departed Savannah on March 28 and arrived at Cuxhaven on April 27. Upon unloading, the ship departed from Cardiff on May 18, 1912 for the West coast of South America and returned to Antwerp on November 5 with a cargo of nitrates.


On December 1, 1912 while proceeding on her way from Antwerp to La Plata, ''Belle of Spain'' ran aground off [[Vlissingen|Flushing]] but was successfully refloated with the aid of five tugs and later proceeded to Flushing harbor for inspection which found no evidence of damage. 550 tons of cargo, mostly cement and rails, had to be discharged to refloat the boat.<ref>{{cite news |title=Latest Wrecks, Etc.. |date=3 December 1912 |newspaper=London Standard |page=3 }}</ref> Afterwards, the vessel continued her journey ultimately returning to Europe in early April 1913.
On December 1, 1912 while proceeding on her way from Antwerp to La Plata, ''Belle of Spain'' ran aground off [[Vlissingen|Flushing]] but was successfully refloated with the aid of five tugs and later proceeded to Flushing harbor for inspection which found no evidence of damage. 550 tons of cargo, mostly cement and rails, had to be discharged to refloat the boat.<ref>{{cite news |title=Latest Wrecks, Etc.. |date=3 December 1912 |newspaper=London Standard |page=3 }}</ref> Afterwards, the vessel continued her journey ultimately returning to Europe in early April 1913.
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===Sinking===
===Sinking===
After an uneventful journey from North America, ''Nygaard'' arrived around 18:30 on November 25 in view of [[Esbjerg]] harbor. The vessel was under command of captain Løvdal and had a crew of 30 men. After spotting the Grådyb Lightship the ship started steering towards the entrance to the harbor and after approximately 20 minutes sent a signal to inform about her arrival. This was immediately answered with a white light signal, which the captain incorrectly assumed to be coming from the pilot boat. Unbeknown to the captain, due to the war all land lighthouses were turned off and were only lit when ships were observed outside the entrance to the harbor channel. Around 19:00 the steamer's engines were set to "Ahead Slow" and the crew started depth measurements. After the plumb showed the depth of only 10 meters, the engines were immediately put to "Stop", but it was too late as the ship hit the ground shortly thereafter. The engines were reversed in an attempt to refloat the vessel, but ''Nygaard'' was stuck on the Grådyb sand bar and didn't move. Around 20:00 the pilots arrived and tried to dislodge the vessel, but all their attempts proved to be unsuccessful.<ref name=dd>{{cite book |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=October 1915 |url=http://www.sbib.dk/files/bibliotek/statistik/1914.pdf |title=Statistisk Oversigt Over de i Aaret 1914 For Danske Skibe i Danske og Fremmede Farvande Samt For Fremmede Skibe i Danske Farvande Indtrufne Søulykker |location=Kjøbenhavn |publisher=Bianco Lunos Bogtrykkeri |pages=82-83 |language=Danish |access-date=18 August 2018}}</ref>
After an uneventful journey from North America, ''Nygaard'' arrived around 18:30 on November 25 in view of [[Esbjerg]] harbor. The vessel was under command of captain Løvdal and had a crew of 30 men. After spotting the Grådyb Lightship the ship started steering towards the entrance to the harbor and after approximately 20 minutes sent a signal to inform about her arrival. This was immediately answered with a white light signal, which the captain incorrectly assumed to be coming from the pilot boat. Unbeknown to the captain, due to the war all land lighthouses were turned off and were only lit when ships were observed outside the entrance to the harbor channel. Around 19:00 the steamer's engines were set to "Ahead Slow" and the crew started depth measurements. After the plumb showed the depth of only 10 meters, the engines were immediately put to "Stop", but it was too late as the ship hit the ground shortly thereafter. The engines were reversed in an attempt to refloat the vessel, but ''Nygaard'' was stuck on the Grådyb sand bar and didn't move. Around 20:00 the pilots arrived and tried to dislodge the vessel, but all their attempts proved to be unsuccessful.<ref name=dd>{{cite book |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=October 1915 |url=http://www.sbib.dk/files/bibliotek/statistik/1914.pdf |title=Statistisk Oversigt Over de i Aaret 1914 For Danske Skibe i Danske og Fremmede Farvande Samt For Fremmede Skibe i Danske Farvande Indtrufne Søulykker |location=Kjøbenhavn |publisher=Bianco Lunos Bogtrykkeri |pages=82–83 |language=Danish |access-date=18 August 2018}}</ref>


Next day a storm arrived, with strong winds and the heavy seas, and two vessels, ''Olga'' and ''Vildanden'', came from Esbjerg to ''Nygaard''s assistance. However, the towing cables broke and ''Nygaard'' found herself dug even deeper in and leaking. On November 27, the crew abandoned ship and was safely transported to Esbjerg with the exception of the captain, who remained on-board the vessel. On November 28 Svitzer's tugs ''Viking'' and ''Ægir'' arrived on the scene, but the weather was still rough and the mission had to be postponed.<ref name=dd/> Finally, on November 29 main post and a rudder broke off, and the No. 3 hold was full of water. As the weather did not improve in the next several days the ship was abandoned and on December 7 it was reported that ''Nygaard'' has been driven about a mile closer to the coastline and subsequently sank.<ref>{{cite news |title="Nygaard" er Totalt Vrak. |date=8 December 1914 |newspaper=Norges Handels og Sjøfartstidende |page=3 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ship Goes to Bottom. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22920952/pittsburgh_daily_post/ |date=8 December 1914 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Daily Post |page=3 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |accessdate = August 18, 2018 }}{{free access}}</ref>
Next day a storm arrived, with strong winds and the heavy seas, and two vessels, ''Olga'' and ''Vildanden'', came from Esbjerg to ''Nygaard''s assistance. However, the towing cables broke and ''Nygaard'' found herself dug even deeper in and leaking. On November 27, the crew abandoned ship and was safely transported to Esbjerg with the exception of the captain, who remained on-board the vessel. On November 28 Svitzer's tugs ''Viking'' and ''Ægir'' arrived on the scene, but the weather was still rough and the mission had to be postponed.<ref name=dd/> Finally, on November 29 main post and a rudder broke off, and the No. 3 hold was full of water. As the weather did not improve in the next several days the ship was abandoned and on December 7 it was reported that ''Nygaard'' has been driven about a mile closer to the coastline and subsequently sank.<ref>{{cite news |title="Nygaard" er Totalt Vrak. |date=8 December 1914 |newspaper=Norges Handels og Sjøfartstidende |page=3 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ship Goes to Bottom. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22920952/pittsburgh_daily_post/ |date=8 December 1914 |newspaper=The Pittsburgh Post |page=3 |via = [[Newspapers.com]] |accessdate = August 18, 2018 }}{{free access}}</ref>


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
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[[Category:1907 ships]]
[[Category:1907 ships]]
[[Category:Steamships of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Steamships of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Merchant ships of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Cargo ships of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Merchant ships of Norway]]
[[Category:Cargo ships of Norway]]
[[Category:Steamships of Norway]]
[[Category:Steamships of Norway]]
[[Category:World War I merchant ships of Norway]]
[[Category:World War I merchant ships of Norway]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in 1914]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in November 1914]]
[[Category:Ships built on the River Tyne]]
[[Category:Ships built on the River Tyne]]

Latest revision as of 22:32, 2 May 2023

History
United Kingdom;Norway
Name
  • Belle of Spain (1908-1913)
  • Nygaard (1913-1914)
Owner
  • Crow, Rudolf & Co (1908-1913)
  • Einar Engelsen (1913-1914)
Operator
  • Belle of Spain Steamship Co Ltd (1908-1913)
  • A/S Einar Engelsens Rederi (1913-1914)
BuilderNorthumberland Shipbuilding Co, Howdon
Yard number149
Launched5 December 1907
Sponsored byMrs. P. W. Bertlin
CommissionedJanuary 1908
Homeport
Identification
FateWrecked, 26 November 1914
General characteristics
TypeCargo ship
Tonnage
Length360 ft 2 in (109.78 m)
Beam48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
Depth20 ft 2 in (6.15 m)
Installed power372 Nhp[1]
PropulsionRichardsons, Westgarth & Co 3-cylinder triple expansion
Speed10.0 knots

Belle of Spain was a steam cargo ship built in 1908 by the Northumberland Shipbuilding Co of Newcastle for Crow, Rudolf & Co of Liverpool. The ship was designed and built for general cargo trade and spent her career doing tramp trade.

Design and construction

[edit]

In early 1900s Crow, Rudolf & Co ordered two ships, Belle of England and Belle of France, to carry cargo for their merchant operations. With their trade expanding, three more ships were ordered in subsequent years, with Belle of Spain being the last of the five Belle ships built for the company. The vessel was laid down at Northumberland Shipbuilding Co. shipyard in Howdon and launched on 5 December 1907 (yard number 149),[2] with Mrs. P. W. Bertlin, of Jesmond, serving as a sponsor.[3] After successful completion of sea trials, Belle of Spain was handed over to her owners in January 1908. The vessel was primarily intended for general cargo trade, and 8 steam winches, and large number of cargo derricks were installed to facilitate quick cargo loading and unloading process. In addition, accommodations for a large number of first and second-class passengers in houses on the bridge deck were built.

As built, the ship was 360 feet 2 inches (109.78 m) long (between perpendiculars) and 48 feet 0 inches (14.63 m) abeam, a mean draft of 20 feet 2 inches (6.15 m).[1] Belle of Spain was assessed at 4,223 GRT and 2,742 NRT and had deadweight of approximately 7,300.[1] The vessel had a steel hull, and a single 372 nhp triple-expansion steam engine, with cylinders of 25-inch (64 cm), 41-inch (100 cm) and 69-inch (180 cm) diameter with a 48-inch (120 cm) stroke, that drove a single screw propeller, and moved the ship at up to 10.0 knots (11.5 mph; 18.5 km/h).[1]

To operate the vessel, a holding company, Belle of Spain Steamship Co Ltd, was registered on January 16, 1908 with capital of £15,000.

Operational history

[edit]

In British registry

[edit]

After delivery Belle of Spain was immediately chartered for South American trade, and departed for her maiden voyage on February 9, 1908 from Hull via Dunkerque and St. Vincent. She arrived in Montevideo on March 9[4] and from there proceeded to Rosario, reaching it on March 15.[5] The ship was loaded with agricultural products, such as wheat, maize and linseed in South America and left Montevideo on April 18. The vessel touched off at St. Vincent on May 7, Havre on May 20, before finally reaching Hull on May 25, 1908.

The ship conducted two more trips down to South America from England in 1908. For her second trip, she sailed from Barry on June 16, 1908, arriving in Montevideo on July 15 via Dunkirk and Tenerife. The vessel departed Rosario for her return journey on August 31, called at St. Vincent on September 18, and arrived in Belfast on September 30.[6] Belle of Spain left for her third trip from Barry on October 14 to load cargo at Cardiff, Dunkirk, Havre and Pauillac. She left from Pauillac on October 30 and arrived at Montevideo on November 27 via Vigo and Tenerife.[7] The ship again visited ports of Buenos Aires and Rosario but this time she also continued to Santos arriving there on December 19. The ship was loaded with 44,628 bags of coffee and departed Santos on January 2, 1909 for Havre, which she reached on January 29.[8]

Upon return to England, the ship was chartered for one trip to Southeast Asia, and left Cardiff for Colombo on February 19. After passing through the Suez Canal on March 7, the vessel reached her destination on March 23. From Ceylon, the vessel continued on, visiting ports of Madras, Bassein and Rangoon. She sailed from Rangoon on her return trip for Hamburg on April 29 and arrived at Cuxhaven on June 16.

From Germany the ship sailed to Sweden via Newcastle where she loaded iron ore at Luleå and left for Philadelphia on July 10. The vessel made a stopover at South Shields on her way over to North America, departing it on July 19, 1909.[9] During the journey in the Atlantic, the vessel experienced some rough weather and had to stay in Philadelphia for minor repairs. Subsequently, she was chartered by the Dominion Steel Company to transport steel rails from the company's plant in Nova Scotia to the site of Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad being constructed on the West coast of Canada. Belle of Spain continued on to North Sydney, where she took on around 6,000 tons of rails and left Sydney on September 1, 1909. During the trip, the vessel ran into more rough weather and had her steering gear damaged, and as a result she had to call in St. Lucia for repairs on September 10. It took over a month to finalize her repairs, and it was not until October 18 that the ship could leave St. Lucia. Belle of Spain proceeded then to Prince Rupert by rounding the Cape Horn, and called at Nanaimo on November 14 to replenish her bunkers.[10] During her long journey, one of the officers on board went insane, and had to be institutionalized upon arrival at Prince Rupert.[11]

Upon unloading, Belle of Spain was chartered to carry phosphate rock from Ocean Island to Europe, and departed Victoria on December 21, 1909. After loading her cargo the ship departed Ocean Island on January 29, 1910 and arrived at Stettin on April 13 via Colombo and Malta.[12] Belle of Spain afterwards proceeded to England and left from Newport on May 6 for Bahía Blanca which she reached on June 5.[13][14]

Next, the vessel was chartered to transport coal from Newcastle to the West coast of South America, and left Bahía Blanca on June 16. The ship called at Durban and arrived at her destination on August 2. After loading 5,619 tons of coal, Belle of Spain departed Newcastle on August 19 for Talcahuano and arrived there on September 16.[15] The vessel was afterwards chartered by the W. R. Grace & Co and proceeded to Valparaíso, Antofagasta and Iquique to load 4,500 tons of nitrates for delivery to California. Belle of Spain arrived in San Francisco on November 30, 1910.[16] After unloading most of her cargo, the vessel continued north calling at several Pacific ports. For example, the ship unloaded about 1,100 tons of her cargo at Victoria on December 20.[17] Next, Belle of Spain proceeded to Puget Sound and loaded approximately 1,000,000 feet of redwood, over 50,000 railroad ties, wheat and flour for delivery to South American ports. The ship stopped at San Francisco to load about 50,000 more feet of lumber before sailing for Peruvian and Chilean ports on January 16, 1911.[18] Belle of Spain continued nitrate-sugar-lumber trade for the remainder of her 10 month-long charter with W. R. Grace & Co. until November 1911 when she was chartered for one trip to bring nitrate of soda cargo to the US. The ship departed Iquique on December 19, 1911, stopped at Punta Arenas and Montevideo and arrived in Philadelphia on February 18, 1912.[19]

From Philadelphia the ship sailed to Jacksonville and Savannah where she took on, among other things, 3,300 tons of phosphate pebble and 6,145 bales of cotton, respectively, for delivery to Bremen and Hamburg.[20][21] Belle of Spain departed Savannah on March 28 and arrived at Cuxhaven on April 27. Upon unloading, the ship departed from Cardiff on May 18, 1912 for the West coast of South America and returned to Antwerp on November 5 with a cargo of nitrates.

On December 1, 1912 while proceeding on her way from Antwerp to La Plata, Belle of Spain ran aground off Flushing but was successfully refloated with the aid of five tugs and later proceeded to Flushing harbor for inspection which found no evidence of damage. 550 tons of cargo, mostly cement and rails, had to be discharged to refloat the boat.[22] Afterwards, the vessel continued her journey ultimately returning to Europe in early April 1913.

On April 17, 1913 it was reported that Belle of Spain was sold to the Norwegian ship operator Einar Engelsen for £41,000 and renamed Nygaard.[23]

In Norwegian registry

[edit]

Nygaard left for her first trip under new name and ownership from Shields for Key West and other Florida ports on April 27, 1913.[24] The ship arrived at Tampa on May 18, where she took on 3,301 tons of phosphate pebble, and then continued on to Pensacola, reaching it on May 20, to load timber and lumber.[25][26] The vessel departed Pensacola on May 28 and arrived at Dunkerque on June 18 to unload her cargo.

On her next trip Nygaard departed Hamburg on July 14, 1913 for Pensacola via Shields, and arrived at her destination on August 11.[27][28][29] She continued to Mobile and then Tampa where she took on 3,010 tons of phosphate pebble on August 28.[30] Afterwards, the ship sailed to Galveston where she arrived on August 30.[31] Here Nygaard loaded 9,239 bales (4,770,000 pounds) of cotton and sailed on September 14 for Havre and Dunkerque.[32][33]

On October 15, 1913 Nygaard struck the dock entrance at Havre while undocking and had to be put back to repair the damage.[34] The vessel was able to depart Havre on October 17 and took course to Jacksonville via Dunkerque and Cardiff and reached Florida on November 20 to load 3,200 tons of phosphate hard rock for delivery to Danzig.[35] Next, the ship sailed to Savannah and took on board 7,236 bales of cotton and departed on November 26 for her return trip to Bremerhaven, reaching it on December 19.[36]

In 1914 the vessel conducted two more trips to the ports of the American Southeast after being chartered by the Gans Steamship Line. During the first one, the ship left Hamburg on January 20, 1914 and returned to Rotterdam on April 12 after visiting the ports of Charleston, Savannah and New York City. For her second trip, Nygaard left Rotterdam on April 21 and after visiting ports of Tampa and Savannah returned to Hamburg on June 25.

Nygaard left Hamburg for her last trip on July 4 arriving in Charleston on July 26. Two days later Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia starting World War I. As more European countries joined the war, it became clear the ship can no longer safely travel to the Northern European ports she used to frequent. The steamer sailed to Jacksonville to load potash and then to Philadelphia via Newport News to load coal and departed for Rio de Janeiro on August 22. From Brazil the ship returned in ballast to the Gulf ports of the US and arrived at Port Arthur on October 20 to load approximately 4,000 tons of cotton seed cake.[37][38] The steamer then continued on to Galveston and reached it on October 25. After loading 3,300 bales of cotton 800 tons of rosin, Nygaard departed Galveston on October 28 for Denmark.[39]

Sinking

[edit]

After an uneventful journey from North America, Nygaard arrived around 18:30 on November 25 in view of Esbjerg harbor. The vessel was under command of captain Løvdal and had a crew of 30 men. After spotting the Grådyb Lightship the ship started steering towards the entrance to the harbor and after approximately 20 minutes sent a signal to inform about her arrival. This was immediately answered with a white light signal, which the captain incorrectly assumed to be coming from the pilot boat. Unbeknown to the captain, due to the war all land lighthouses were turned off and were only lit when ships were observed outside the entrance to the harbor channel. Around 19:00 the steamer's engines were set to "Ahead Slow" and the crew started depth measurements. After the plumb showed the depth of only 10 meters, the engines were immediately put to "Stop", but it was too late as the ship hit the ground shortly thereafter. The engines were reversed in an attempt to refloat the vessel, but Nygaard was stuck on the Grådyb sand bar and didn't move. Around 20:00 the pilots arrived and tried to dislodge the vessel, but all their attempts proved to be unsuccessful.[40]

Next day a storm arrived, with strong winds and the heavy seas, and two vessels, Olga and Vildanden, came from Esbjerg to Nygaards assistance. However, the towing cables broke and Nygaard found herself dug even deeper in and leaking. On November 27, the crew abandoned ship and was safely transported to Esbjerg with the exception of the captain, who remained on-board the vessel. On November 28 Svitzer's tugs Viking and Ægir arrived on the scene, but the weather was still rough and the mission had to be postponed.[40] Finally, on November 29 main post and a rudder broke off, and the No. 3 hold was full of water. As the weather did not improve in the next several days the ship was abandoned and on December 7 it was reported that Nygaard has been driven about a mile closer to the coastline and subsequently sank.[41][42]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Lloyd's Register, Steamships and Motorships. London: Lloyd's Register. 1908–1909.
  2. ^ "Tyne Built Ships: Belle of Spain". Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  3. ^ "Howdon-on-Tyne". Shields Daily News. 6 December 1907. p. 3.
  4. ^ "Steamship Movement". London Standard. 12 March 1908. p. 3.
  5. ^ "Steamship Movement". London Standard. 18 March 1908. p. 3.
  6. ^ "Steamship Movement". London Standard. 2 October 1908. p. 3.
  7. ^ "Steamship Movement". London Standard. 30 November 1908. p. 3.
  8. ^ "Manifests of Coffee". The Brazilian Review. Vol. XII, no. 2. 12 January 1909. p. 53.
  9. ^ "Steamship Movement". London Standard. 21 July 1909. p. 3.
  10. ^ "Belle of Spain Here with Rails". Victoria Daily Colonist. 16 November 1909. p. 14.
  11. ^ "Belle of Spain Officer Went Insane". The Vancouver World. 9 December 1909. p. 19 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
  12. ^ "Schiffsverkehrs-Meldungen". Hamburgischer Correspondent und neue hamburgische Börsen-Halle. 16 April 1910. p. 23.
  13. ^ "Steamship Movements". London Standard. 9 June 1910. p. 3.
  14. ^ "Steamship Movements". London Standard. 9 May 1910. p. 3.
  15. ^ "Coal Shipments". Daily Commercial News and Shipping List. 22 August 1910. p. 3.
  16. ^ "Shipping Intelligence". San Francisco Call. 1 December 1910. p. 15.
  17. ^ "Belle of Spain Here with Nitrate". Vancouver Daily World. 21 December 1910. p. 14.
  18. ^ "News of the Ocean". San Francisco Call. 17 January 1911. p. 15.
  19. ^ "News of the Ships and Shipping Men". Philadelphia Inquirer. 20 February 1912. p. 11.
  20. ^ "Shipping News". Commercial & Financial Chronicle. Vol. 94, no. 2440. 30 March 1912. p. 926.
  21. ^ "Phosphate Rock Shipments". American Fertilizer. Vol. 36, no. 8. 20 April 1912. p. 51.
  22. ^ "Latest Wrecks, Etc.". London Standard. 3 December 1912. p. 3.
  23. ^ "Bergens Dampskibsfloote". Bergens tidende. 17 April 1913. p. 2.
  24. ^ "Movement of Ships". London Standard. 29 April 1913. p. 4.
  25. ^ "Phosphate Rock Shipments". American Fertilizer. Vol. 39, no. 2. 26 July 1913. p. 54.
  26. ^ "Two Steamers Here for Cargo". The Pensacola Journal. 22 May 1913. p. 4.
  27. ^ "Skibsliste". Norges Handels og Sjøfartstidende. 16 July 1913. p. 6.
  28. ^ "Movement of Ships". London Standard. 19 July 1913. p. 4.
  29. ^ "Movement of Ships". London Standard. 13 August 1913. p. 4.
  30. ^ "Phosphate Rock Shipments". American Fertilizer. Vol. 39, no. 6. 20 September 1913. p. 49.
  31. ^ "Arrivals and Departures". Galveston Daily News. 31 August 1913. p. 26.
  32. ^ "Arrivals and Departures". Galveston Daily News. 14 September 1913. p. 22.
  33. ^ "Shipping News". The Commercial & Financial Chronicle. Vol. 97, no. 2517. 20 September 1913. p. 827.
  34. ^ "Latest Wrecks, Etc". London Standard. 17 October 1913. p. 4.
  35. ^ "Phosphate Rock Shipments". American Fertilizer. Vol. 39, no. 12. 13 December 1913. p. 54.
  36. ^ "Shipping News". The Commercial & Financial Chronicle. Vol. 97, no. 2527. 29 November 1913. p. 1601.
  37. ^ "Ocean Vessels Movements". Galveston Daily News. 21 October 1914. p. 10.
  38. ^ "Ship Loads Cotton Seed Cake". Galveston Daily News. 22 October 1914. p. 10.
  39. ^ "Shipping News". The Commercial & Financial Chronicle. Vol. 99, no. 2575. 31 October 1914. p. 1308.
  40. ^ a b Statistisk Oversigt Over de i Aaret 1914 For Danske Skibe i Danske og Fremmede Farvande Samt For Fremmede Skibe i Danske Farvande Indtrufne Søulykker (PDF) (in Danish). Kjøbenhavn: Bianco Lunos Bogtrykkeri. October 1915. pp. 82–83. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  41. ^ ""Nygaard" er Totalt Vrak". Norges Handels og Sjøfartstidende. 8 December 1914. p. 3.
  42. ^ "Ship Goes to Bottom". The Pittsburgh Post. 8 December 1914. p. 3. Retrieved August 18, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.Free access icon
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