FAIRSEA

Passenger vessel "Fairsea", built in 1941 by Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Co, Chester, PA, and launched as a cargo liner "Rio De La Plata" for Moore-McCormack Line (United States). Completed as an escort aircraft carrier "USS Charger". Bought by Sitmar Line in 1949 and renamed "Fairsea". Registered in Panama; refitted as an emigrant carrier in 1949-50. Chartered by the Australian Government for emigrant service in 1955, she took her first voyage from Southampton-Melbourne & Sydney on 6 - 12 - 1955. Occasional homeward voyages via the Panama Canal after February 1957. In 1958 her registry was transferred to Italy; and reverted to Panama in 1968. She was disabled by fire in the engine room 900 miles west of Panama, 24 January 1969. Towed to Balboa by American freighter "Louise Lykes"; broken up at La Spezia. Tonnage: 13, 317 Dimensions: length492', breadth 70' Speed: 16 knots Motive Power: Single Screw motorship Refer - "Pacific Liners 1927 - 72" by Frederick Emmons