SS Conister
SS "Conister" (I) No. 145470 – the first vessel in the Company's history to bear the name – was a coastal cargo vessel which was purchased by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company from Cheviot Coasters Ltd, in 1932. Construction & dimensions. "Conister" was built by the Goole Shipbuilding Company, Goole, in 1921, and originally named "Abington". Her engines were supplied by C. and D. Holmes Ltd of Hull. Her construction costs are not recorded. She was a single-hatch coaster which had a length of 145'; beam 24'1"; depth 10'9" with a tonnage of . Her machinery was aft , and she had two masts forward of the funnel. Service life. Originally named "Abington", she entered service with Cheviot Coasters Ltd. in November 1921, operating from Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She was bought by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company in January 1932 for £5,500, (equivalent to £ in ) when her name was changed to "Conister". "Conister" was engaged in general cargo work and was frequently to be seen in Ramsey, unloading goods from Liverpool, before sailing on to Douglas. "Conister" was the last coal-fired ship in the Company's fleet and the last using reciprocating triple-expansion  engines. During the Second World War, "Conister" was kept busy maintaining the lifeline to the Island. On 27 October 1940 "Conister" was severely damaged by a bomb during an air attack. Disposal. With the impending introduction into service of her successor , "Conister" was put up for sale. On 26 January 1965 she was sold to Arnott Young & Co., Glasgow, and was taken under tow to Dalmuir by the tug "Campaigner" for scrapping. "Conister" was the last single-hatch steamer, regularly working in the Irish Sea. References. Bibliography