Built under yard No 18 by the Shipbuilding Corporation Ltd. Tyne Branch, Newcastle, for the British Government.
17 January 1946 launched under the name EMPIRE SLOANE.
Tonnage 419 gross, 197 net, dim. 143.5 (bpp) x 26.1 x 11ft.
Powered by a two stroke single acting 4-cyl diesel, manufactured by British Polar Engines Ltd., Glasgow. One propeller, speed 9 knots.
April 1946 delivered.
1948 Sold to Broadway Holdings Ltd., London.
The same year sold to the London Missionary Society, London.
Thereafter converted by J.S. Doig Ltd., Humber Bank, Grimsby, U.K. in a Children Goodwill Ship to assist in educational social and Christian work among the islands of the South West Pacific.
Her cargo space was converted into accommodation for missionaries, native passengers and children; the deck space at bridge level was extended.
Was re-christened by H.R.H. Princess Margaret, by throwing a bottle of coconut milk against the bow at the Tower pier at London, and renamed in JOHN WILLIAMS (VI). She was named after John Williams, a matry-missionnary, who was murdered on Erromanga, in the New Hebrides in 1839.
Before her maiden voyage as such in October 1948 she made calls at seventeen British ports for public inspection.
1963 Sold to Burns, Philp & Co. Ltd., London and renamed MANUTAI.
1975 Sold to Rabi Holdings Ltd., London.
1993 Deleted from Lloyds Register.
Source: Ships of the Australian New Zealand & Island Register of 1952. Empire Ships.