Built as a cargo vessel in 1890 under yard no 85 by the yard of Day Summer & Co., Southampton for Union Steamship Co. Ltd., Southampton.
22 March 1890 launched under the name NORSEMAN
Tonnage 807 gross, 504 net., dim. 72 x 9.5 x 4.45m.
One triple expansion steam engine 124 nhp., manufactured by builder.
10 July 1890 completed.
She was built for the South African coastal trade.
1893 Sold to W.S.Bailey at Hull.
1896 Sold to L Ballande fils ainé, Nouméa, renamed SAINT-ANTOINE and under French flag.
1902 Sold to Union Commerciale et de Nav. Calédonienne, Nouméa.
1925 Sold to Soc. Du Tour de Cotes, Nouméa.
She was wrecked on 26 May 1928 on a voyage to Nouméa loaded with copra and coffee, in a position 30 mile SW of Nouméa.
Received from Mr. Jean-Louis Araignon that the position of the wreck is not correct, from a visitor on his website and also confirmed by the Maritime Museum in Noumea it is given that the SAINT ANTOINE grounded on Tetembia Reef and that the wreck still is visible in position S22 05 840 and E 165 59 540. That is a position NE of Noumea. On the same reef stranded the sailing ship FRANCE II. (also on stamps.)
By Google Maps the reef Tétembia is named as Annibal Reef but it are different reefs separated by Uitoé channel.
New Caledonia 1984, 31f, sg726, scott?
New Caledonia 1984, 31f, sg726, scott?
Source. Merchant Fleets in profile vol 3 by Duncan Haws. Register of Merchant Ships completed in 1890