The steel steamship Otranto was launched from the yard of Verein Elbe Norderewerft AG, Boizenburg (Yard No 579), Germany in 1921 and delivered to her new owners Hamburg Amerikanische Packetfahrt AG (Hamburg Alerika Line), Hamburg in February 1922 She measured 221.4′ x 34.6′ x 13.4′ and her tonnage was 1028 gross tons, 571 net tons. She was powered by a triple expansion steam engine by A Borsig GMBH, Berlin- Tegel delivering 109 nominal horse power. In September 1924 she was sold to D/S A/S Forto ( Leif Erichsen ) Bergen, who re-named her Hansi.
SS Hansi under way
Lloyd’s register 1939
On 7th November 1939, shortly after the outbreak of Word War Two, she was en route from Hommelvik, Trondelag, Norway to Ellesmere port with a cargo of wood pulp when she encountered severe gales off the east coast of Orkney. In the stormy conditions she was disabled (presumably some damage to her steering and/or rudder) and was driven ashore at Reef Dyke, North Ronaldsay. Locals ashore reported seeing her drifting towards the rocks with a heavy list, indicating that perhaps her cargo had shifted, and striking the reef which lies offshore to the south on Linklet Bay grounding on Scottigar Taing. The crew were able to launch the ship’s boats and, with the help of the local population, were able to make it safely ashore. A few days later the Hansi floated off the reef and drifted into Linklet Bay where she stranded for a second time. It is not known if she was later salvaged. We have assigned a position in the middle of the Bay (based on the photograph shown) to the wreck which is 59 22.553’N, 02 23.496’W.
Hansi aground in Linklet Bay
