Ship Details

Rig

Steel Screw 4 mast Steamer, 1030 hp.

Built

1889

Tonnage

5,552g 3,096n

Dimensions

430.0 x 49.3 x 34.2

Demise

Pacific Steam Navigation Co., reg. Liverpool. Liverpool-Valparaiso service. 1890: Chartered by Orient Steam Navigation Co. for their Australian service. 1896: Capsized and sank at Tilbury Dock, London. Refloated and repaired. 1899: Troopship for the Boer War. 1903: Resumed Australian service. 1906: Royal Mail Steam Packet Co. 1909: Final voyage to Australia. 1914: Armed merchant cruiser. 1919: Broken up.

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My great grandparents, James and Jane Smith, travelled on the Orotava to England for The Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria. They left Sydney on 17th April 1897 and arrived in Plymouth 3 June, the ship went on to London. We have a deck plan showing their cabins and they described the interior "Our saloon has lovely chairs, padded seats that we can lie down on, large mirrors on the sideboards, pot plants and flowers. Red velvet covers and the carpets are bright and cheerful. Martha has a Miss Harris (an old maid) for her cabin mate. It was such fun the day we came on board, we visited each others cabins. Martha says she would not change hers for anyone on the ship."

My Great Grandfather Joseph Burkey from Birkenhead is shown as working on the Orotava in 1899, as is his younger brother. They both Lived in Grays, Essex at this time.

My grandmother Rosetta Amelia Brann traveled from England to Australia arriving 22.6.1907 at the age of 22. She was a governess to a family who worked at the Seamen's Mission in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. She met and married my Grandfather James Gardener Howlett in 1913.

My father-in-law Daniel Sullivan sailed from Tilbury Docks England to Australia on Orotava in 1908

My great grandfather a passenger on the Orotava died at sea . I would like any information on this event. He was John Jewiss 19/7/1897 died at sea.

My great grandfather a passenger on the Orotava died at sea . I would like any information on this event. He was John Jewiss 19/7/1897 died at sea.

My great grandfather a passenger on the Orotava died at sea . I would like any information on this event. He was John Jewiss 19/7/1897 died at sea.

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