SAS Transvaal
Ship Number
1251
Vessel Type
Loch Class Frigate
Built
Belfast
Slip Number
3
Launch Date
August 2, 1944
Launched By
Miss Newman
Delivered
January 2, 1945
Owner
South African Navy
Weight
1435 grt
BP Length
286 feet
Breadth
38-6 feet
No. of Screws
Twin
Speed (approx)
19.5 knots
Propulsion
2 × Admiralty 3-drum boilers, 2 shafts, 4-cylinder vertical triple expansion reciprocating engines, 5,500 ihp (4,100 kW)
Official No.
Registered
Fate
Scuttled
SAS Transvaal

Pennant No. K602
 
Original named HMS Loch Ard
 
Fitting-out was carried out at Renfrew on the Clyde by Lobnitz, and during this period she was transferred to the South African Naval Defence Force (SANF) and renamed HMSAS Transvaal
 
HMSAS Transvaal  was laid-up in Reserve until 1978 when she was placed on the Disposal List. She was de-equipped and prepared for sinking. On 8th August 1978 the ship was towed to a position outside False Bay and sunk by gunfire. During service the ship steamed 170,000 miles and is recorded  as having been a true ambassadress of her country.
 
Five ships were scuttled by the Navy to form an artificial reef (the HMSAS Transvaal, SAS Good Hope, Rockeater, Princess Elizabeth and Oratava. Two Navy frigates, a diamond dredger and 2 fishing trawlers). Depth: 24m - 42m.