In 2002 Eritrea issued a set of 4 stamps to commemorate Martyrs Day. The 3n value (SG 498) shows a small coaster by the name of ANGELOS
Launched as the INGELIL on 4 September 1970 by A/S Nordsovaerftet of Ringkobing (Yard No. 54) – Denmark, for Knud Svarrer P/R, Denmark. Completed on 27 October 1970.
1979 Sold to Rederi A/B Tillingenabben, Sweden, renamed TINELAND:
ISABELLE in 1982; ANGELOS in 1984
GRT: 558. NRT: 243. DWT: 694.
Dimensions: 49.76 x 8.34 x 3.48
Engine: Alpha oil 2SA 6Cy. 260 x 400
Ice strengthened.
IMO: 7029067
Owned by Eritrean Shipping Lines and registered in Massawa. She is one of five vessels owned by the company.
The formation of the Eritrean Shipping Lines goes way back to the early 1980s when the Eritrean People's Liberation Front ( EPLF ) purchased and managed in 1982 an ocean going vessel the m.v. Angelos, a vessel of a 710 tons deadweight, to boost its clandestine activities, subsequent to its earlier usage of several wood made dhows of various loading capacity ranging from 20-200 tons. During the armed struggle sea transport was a life blood activity till the liberation in 1991. In 1990, immediately following the liberation of Massawa, a second vessel the m.v Salam with a deadweight of 3160 tons was purchased. Both vessels played a significant role in providing logistical support to the EPLF during the final years of the 30 years old armed struggle.
With the birth of Eritrea as a free country, the Eritrean Shipping Lines was formally established as a business entity, in October 1992. To meet the challenges of serious competition the company bought a tanker named Beilul in March 1992 and a modern RoRo/LoLo vessel in July 1996, thereby increasing its fleet to four. The RoRo vessel was named Yohana meaning Greetings. And now due to increasing demand a general cargo vessel Denden was bought in January 1999.
Sources: Equasis. Lloyd's Register of Shipping 2001 – 2002. Miramar. http://www.access-maritime.com/associates_eritrean.htm
Written by Mr. Peter Crichton
Eritrea SG498