Isthmian Line -Liberty Ships -Victory Ships -WWII

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Isthmian Name:	Steel Inventor	Period:	Ancient

Gross Tonnage:	5,687	Net:	3,450
Dimensions:	424' 2" x 56' 2" x 26' 5"	MC Type:

Builder:	Federal Shipbuilding Co. Kearny, NJ	Hull # USMC Hull # Date of Build: Delivered:	41 1920
Engines:	2 Steam Turbines DR Geared to Single Screwed Shaft	Engine Builder:	Federal Shipbuilding Co. Kearny, NJ
Navigation:	GyC	Decks, etc.:	2 Decks, Fitted for Oil Fuel

Began Isthmian Service:

1920

Ended Isthmian Service:

1954

----------------------------------- Vessel History -----------------------------------

Date	Vessel #	Vessel Name	Vessel Owner	Call Ltrs	Home Port	Flag
1920	220776	*Steel Inventor*	U.S. Steel Products Co. New York	MBTC	New York	US
1930	220776	*Steel Inventor*	June: Isthmian Lines, Inc. New York	MBTC	New York	US
1933	220776	*Steel Inventor*	Isthmian Lines, Inc. New York	KDJL	New York	US
1954	220776	*Sheila K*	J.C. Berkwit & Co. New York	KDJL	New York	US

Events:
2/26/21: Rammed and sunk U.S.S. WOOLSEY on return from Southern Cruise; 110 survivors, 5 injured, 15 lost and 1 killed.
7/12/50: Heavy weather in May on voyage Djkarta to Baltimore. Renew 1 plate and 900 rivets, weld 700 rivets and margin clips, repair rudder together with sundry damages, steam, clean and test tanks; repairs at Baltimore costing $10,590.
12/19/50: First intercoastal vessel to begin loading at the new Erie Basin Terminal.
3/28/51: During the afternoon, outbound from Philadelphia on voyage Baltimore to Bahrein, struck Pusey Jones pier Gloucester. Returned to Philadelphia, damage unknown.
3/30/51: At 7 AM near New York collided with Danish steamer ASTRA. Winds and heavy seas delayed aid from reaching the 2 vessels. Tug M. MORAN started for the scene early in the day but was forced to turn back by heavy weather. Ocean-going salvage vessel CURB was sent later in the day by a salvage company to try to save the ASTRA. Both steamers were loaded. Both vessels anchored at 39.16 N, 74.7 W. ASTRA down by the stern, forefoot showing, numbers 3 and 4 holds flooded. Crew on board STEEL INVENTOR which was reported undamaged.
3/31/51: Salvage vessel CURB reached the steamers and began operations at daybreak. ASTRA, her hull split open by the collision, sank 14 miles east of Atlantic City, N.J. Salvage operations were abandoned when the stern of the vessel hit bottom in 76 ft. of water. STEEL INVENTOR arrived in New York. Efforts to salve the ASTRA, lying half submerged with her stern on the sea bottom resumed 4/1 but were halted due to high seas and strong winds. ASTRA soon split open on her starboard side. On 4/2 salvage vessel CURB determined salvage impossible at present and expect the vessel to be a total loss.
7/51: Heavy weather fracturing 6 plates. Weld and fit doubling plates, steam, clean and test tanks at Baltimore.
2/26 - 2/29/52: Heavy weather. Renew aft peak tank and No. 1 double bottom tank rivets, renew deck wiring, ventilators and pipe guards, steam, clean and test tanks at Baltimore.
3/2/52: Arrived Horta, voyage New Orleans to Dammon damaged. Windlass damaged, deck steam lines fractured, recommended diver's inspection of the hull.
3/7/52: Certificate of seaworthiness issued.
5/1/52: Bombay Agents report vessel holed on port side while anchored at Dammon owing to being struck by Barge #130 under tow by tug. Temporary repairs at Damman, permanent repairs at Bombay.
7/17 - 7/24/52: Heavy weather, voyage Mormugao for Baltimore.
7/28/52: Radio message received in Aden from Master, voyage Mormugao to Baltimore:
"Am developing fuel problem and may run out 1 - 200 miles fro Aden. Could I obtain tug assistance from Aden and, if so, how much notice would you require? This is not a call for assistance but information only. I expect to make Aden on July 31."
7/29/52 From Aden, Master now radioed:
"Expected time of arrival 7/29 at 8 PM local time barring unforeseen conditions sufficient fuel on board. Will confirm at 8 AM on
7/29/52: Vessel arrived Aden.
6/12/53: From heavy weather 7/17/52 - 7/24/52, renew forepeak tanks bottom rivets, main circulating pump casing, ventilator and pipe guards, together with sundry damages; repairs at Baltimore.
6/30 - 7/10/53: Heavy weather.
7/17/53: Arrived Mombasa, voyage from Basrah for Durban and Baltimore, after being diverted by heavy weather to effect damage repairs.
7/25/53: Left Mombasa for Durban.
10/13/53: From heavy weather 6/30/53 - 7/10/53, replace scattered rivets, caulk seams and reweld, renew 2 pintle bushings and test tanks, together with sundry damages; repairs and drydocking at Baltimore.

Disposition Date	Comments
1954	6/24: Arrived Kadamatsu, Japan for breaking up.

The information on this page is the kind contribution of Skip Lewis. Skip, whose dad sailed for Isthmian, is an avid collector and researcher of everything Isthmian. In his quest, he has used many sources and publications including Lloyd's of London and Imperial Steel by John Atherton. Thank you, Skip. Copyright © 2003-2007 - All rights reserved.

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