The SS Nubia was a passenger-cargo steamer constructed for the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company by Caird & Company in Greenock, Scotland. Launched on December 13, 1894, the vessel was built at a cost of approximately £100,000. She measured 430 feet in length and had a beam of 49 feet 4 inches, offering substantial space for both passengers and cargo. Power was provided by a three-cylinder triple expansion steam engine, capable of propelling her at a maximum speed of 14.5 knots. Designed to serve long-distance routes, the Nubia could carry 90 first-class and 62 second-class passengers, in addition to cargo. Her maiden voyage commenced on March 1, 1895, sailing to Calcutta, India. However, her early service was marked by an incident when she ran aground 18 days into her voyage at Banden Fukon Bay, Aden. The ship was subsequently refloated and repaired, allowing her to continue her service. Throughout her operational life, the Nubia experienced notable events. In January 1899, a cholera outbreak aboard the vessel resulted in the death of five crew members from the North Lancashire Regiment. The outbreak was believed to have been caused by contaminated fruit brought on board at Port Said, Egypt. Between 1899 and 1903, she played a role in the transportation and treatment of patients during the Second Boer War, highlighting her importance as a multipurpose vessel during times of conflict. The SS Nubia met her end on June 20, 1915, when she was wrecked in the Bay of Bengal, approximately half a mile north of Colombo, Ceylon. Her service life reflects her versatility as a passenger and cargo steamer, as well as her participation in significant historical events, including wartime logistics and humanitarian efforts.

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