HMS Evadne (FY 009) was a converted twin-screw motor yacht originally built in 1931 by Camper and Nicholsons in Southampton, England. Constructed as Yard Number 388, she was initially commissioned by Montague Napier, an automobile and aircraft engine manufacturer, but was sold shortly after her launch in February 1931 due to Napier's death. She was registered at Southampton as 388 with the official number 161735. Renamed Evadne after her sale to Richard Fairey in December 1931, she gained prominence for her luxurious design and notable ownership. During her civilian years, Evadne served as a private yacht and was notably lent to Amelia Earhart in 1932 after her transatlantic flight ended prematurely, allowing her to meet fans in Cherbourg. In September 1939, with the outbreak of World War II, the Royal Navy requisitioned her, refitting her as an anti-submarine vessel. She was commissioned as HMS Evadne and initially based in Liverpool, where she conducted patrols and escort duties in the Irish Sea. She was later fitted out at Grayson Rollo shipyard and took on examination service roles at Holyhead, Milford Haven, and Liverpool. In July 1942, Evadne joined the Highlander escort group to Atlantic convoy duties before relocating to Bermuda, where she continued anti-submarine operations at the Royal Naval Dockyard. In March 1944, she was reassigned to the Mediterranean, arriving in Gibraltar, where she remained until hostilities concluded. Notably, on 19 February 1945, she damaged the German U-boat U-300 with depth charges in the Strait of Gibraltar, contributing to its sinking two days later. Following the war, she returned to civilian life, reverting to her yacht status. She was sold in 1950 to Zapla Ltd and renamed Zapala, undertaking a world cruise under American businessman R. J. Reynolds Jr. She later became Gaviota IV after purchase by Arturo López Willshaw, who redecorated her lavishly and hosted distinguished guests, including Salvador Dali. In 1962, she was acquired by Robert Zellinger de Balkany and renamed Marala, a name honoring his daughters. Throughout her later years, she hosted figures such as Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, and Princess Alexandra of Kent. Today, she survives as the yacht Marala in the Mediterranean, still powered by her original engines, and was used as a filming location for the 2001 movie "The Cat's Meow."

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.