18 June 1956 the contract was signed for the building of the research-ice breaker vessel by the Haarlemsche Scheepsbouw Maatschappij N.V. in Haarlem, Netherlands for the Chilean Navy. Built under yard No. 552.
11 July 1958 launched under the name PILOTO PARDO, (AP 45) named after Luis Pardo the pilot and captain of the YELCHO (I) who rescued the crew of Shackleton’s ship the ENDURANCE of Elephant Island in the Antarctic.
Tonnage 1.882 gross, 1.250dwt, displacement 2.930 tons, dim. 83.0 x 11.9 x 7.4m. (draught)
Diesel electric; three 8-cyl. MAK diesels, 2.200 shp, speed 14 knots. (the Chili Navy site gives 3.600 hp., speed 16 knots.)
Ice-strengthened.
Crew 44, passengers 24.
12 March 1959 she arrived at Valparaiso, commissioned on 07 April 1959 when for the first time the Chilean flag was raised on board. (So it looks that she sailed to Chili under the Dutch flag with a Dutch crew and handed over after arrival at Valparaiso.)
By the Chilean navy mostly used in the Antarctic waters.
Under Chilean command she got an armament of 4 machine guns of 20/63mm., 1 – 3”/50/ gun, and two helicopters (as given by the Chilean Navy website.)
07 January 1997 decommissioned.
Before 2003 sold to Dreamright Investment, Panama, refitted in an Antarctic cruise vessel, renamed in ANTARCTIC DREAM.
Accommodation for 84 passengers in 42 double cabins. Crew 40.
2009 http://www.equasis.org gives IMO No. 5278432, Under Panama flag, owned by Drumright Investment Corp., Panama, managed by Agunsa, Santiago, Chile.
Call sign HPSF. Gross tonnage given as 2.180.
Chile 1990 50p sg 1288, scott 891.
Source: Merchant Ships Vol. VIII 1960. http://www.armada.cl/site/unidades_navales/419.htm translated by Mr. Rosner. http://www.victory-cruises.com/antarcti ... essel.html