OCTOPUS W13

[yorkieman]

Had thought this might be the 1904 by Lobnitz but I see she was a bucket ladder dredger.
Does anyone know this one, and whether Clyde-built?

[Jim Anderson]

She may be the "Octopus" built by Simons as yard No 325 launched 21.08.1895 for the Natal Government, Port Natal
Suction Hopper Dredger 969grt 210.0 x 36.6 x 14.6ft depth
2 shaft T 3cyl 163nhp by builder
Steel construction Official No. 101565
13.10.1906 wrecked north of the Tongaat River, South Africa

[Angus Mac Kinnon]

I no longer have to Simons book, having donated it to Jimmy Monson who served his time with that Company, but according to that book they built a Pump Hopper Dredger of 1,200 tons, named OCTOPUS in 1895, for Natal port. Could she be this one?

[davesowdon]

Hi George

I just have a little info - Ian Buxton may have more.

The W number refers to Admiralty Works Department so it is likely that the vessel was in Government service when the photo was taken.

I have no record of this particular vessel's history, but have just found mention of Grab Dredger DW13 OCTOPUS in a list of Admiralty vessels allocated to post-war service and dated 1923.

Dave

[yorkieman]

Thanks all .... and Dave, I will send a copy to Ian.
The photo looks to me like later than would be the case for the 1895 that went overseas.