"The SS Appam was a civilian passenger liner captured in January 1916 by the German SMS MÃ�we (Seagull) off the coast of North East Africa. She was sailed to America and returned to British ownership in March 1917 after the USA entered the war. She was renamed the SS Mandingo to protect her from possible German retaliation." image: The dazzle camouflage painted SS Appam moored at London Docks, shown starboard side on. In the water before her are a few barges and cranes are visible on the dockside.