Dunbar Castle
Ship Number
851
Vessel Type
Passenger Ship
Built
Govan Yard
Slip Number
4
Launch Date
October 31, 1929
Delivered
May 20, 1930
Owner
Union-Castle Mail Steamship Co.
Weight
10002 grt
BP Length
470 feet
Breadth
61 feet
No. of Screws
Twin
Speed (approx)
14.25 knots
Propulsion
Single Acting (S.A.) 6 cylinder
Official No.
161420
Registered
London
Fate
Scrapped
Dunbar Castle

Launched for the Round Africa service on 31st October 1929.
 
Steel twin screws motor vessel; 2 decks; 3rd deck in No. 1 & 2 holds; cruiser stern;  fitted with electric light, refrigerating machinery, wireless, direction finder & submarine  signalling device; water ballast
 
On 8th January 1940, after sailing from London for Beira, she hit a magnetic mine off East Cliff, Ramsgate in the English Channel. Breaking her back she heeled over and sank onto an even keel in 30 minutes with the loss of  9 lives including her Master who was killed when the foremast collapsed onto the bridge. The superstructure remained above water until it was demolished after the war.
 
She was the first war loss for Union Castle.