liner LAFAYETTE

Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, 1915 - 1929

Design features

Lafayette (steel liner) 1915 - 1929
hull material : ...................steel
previous name(s) of ship : ........ile de cuba
detailed type : ...................steel liner
type of propulsion : ..............4 propellers
building year of ship : ...........1914
name of shipyard : ................Chantiers & Ateliers de Provence
place of construction : ...........Port de Bouc
year of entering the fleet : ......1915
length (in meters) : ..............164,38
width (in meters) : ...............19,53
gross tonnage (in tons) : .........11953
deadweight (in tons) : ............5195
type of engine : ..................2 alternators 4 cylinders and 2 Parsons turbines
engine power (in HP) : ............14000
nominal speed (in Knots) : ........17

History

Launched under the name of ILE DE CUBA, conceived at the origin to serve the Antilles and the Central America. After her launching is renamed LAFAYETTE and fitted out for the line of New York. Entered in service in November 1915 on the Bordeaux-New York line (because of war, the terminus was moved from Le Havre to Bordeaux). In 1917, is transformed into ship-hospital. Returned to Transat October 1919 and reconditioned. Her service begins again on the line Le Havre-New York at the end of 1919. Transfered on the line from Mexico in 1924. Carries out occasionally the crossings towards New York. Completely renovated in 1928. Renamed MEXIQUE, to leave ner name to the new steamer of the line of New York. In 1933, is transformed into fuel oil burning. Between 1933 and 1935, carries out occasional crossings towards New York and serves, by periods, the Bordeaux-Casablanca line. Until 1939, carries out alone the service to Mexico at the departure of Saint-Nazaire. Under the effect of the economic crisis and Spanish civil war, in fact, the traffic of passengers of this historical line - it was inaugurated in 1862 - completely broke down and will not recover from that fact. Laid up June 1939 then put again into service to transport, in two journeys, the Spanish refugees to Mexico. In April 1940, takes share to the expeditionary force to Norway like transport of troops. Sinks on the 19 June 1940 in the estuary of Verdon, after having stubbed against a magnetic mine. No victims.