The SS Irma was a 1,322-ton steamship constructed by Sir Raylton Dixon & Co. Ltd. in Middlesbrough, England, and delivered in 1905 to the Norwegian passenger shipping company Det Bergenske Dampskibsselskab of Bergen. Designed as a passenger vessel, Irma primarily operated along the Bergen–Newcastle route until 1921, when she was transferred to serve Norway’s northern regions, including voyages to North Cape and Spitsbergen during summer. Throughout her service, Irma received numerous upgrades: a heating system in 1913, wireless radio in 1914, a streamlined rudder in 1928, refrigeration in 1933, improved navigational equipment in 1938, and an echo sounding device in 1939. She was also rebuilt twice, in 1931 and 1932, reflecting her importance in Norwegian coastal transport. Notably, Irma was part of the Hurtigruten fleet from 1931, replacing the ship SS Hera after her wreck. Irma was well-regarded by passengers, especially for her smoking salon. Her only significant pre-war incident occurred in 1937 when she hit a reef off Kabelvåg, suffering leaks but safely reaching port with all 120 passengers ashore. During the early months of World War II, she was involved in troop transport, notably carrying Norwegian soldiers in December 1939 amidst the Winter War, although her capacity was strained and the operation controversial. On 13 February 1944, Irma was attacked and sunk in Hustadvika Bay by two Motor Torpedo Boats (MTBs) of the Royal Norwegian Navy, MTB 627 and MTB 653. The attack resulted in a large explosion, causing the vessel to sink rapidly, with 61 Norwegian civilians losing their lives. The attack also claimed two lives on the nearby cargo ship SS Henry. The sinking marked the last major loss of a Hurtigruten vessel during WWII. The wreck was discovered in 1999 at a depth of 200 meters off Averøya. The incident remains a subject of historical debate, with conflicting accounts regarding the circumstances of the attack, and is commemorated by a monument and ceremonies attended by Norway’s king. The SS Irma’s operational history and tragic sinking highlight her role in Norwegian maritime history and wartime events.

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