HMS Larne (J274) was an Algerine-class minesweeper powered by reciprocating engines, built during the Second World War. She was constructed by Lobnitz & Company in Renfrew, Scotland, with her keel laid down on 25 January 1943, and was launched on 2 September 1942, being commissioned into the Royal Navy on 22 November 1943. The vessel measured 225 feet (68.6 meters) in length overall, with a beam of 35 feet 6 inches (10.8 meters) and a draught of 12 feet 3 inches (3.7 meters). Her standard displacement ranged from 1,010 to 1,030 long tons (1,030–1,050 tonnes), increasing to approximately 1,305–1,325 long tons (1,326–1,346 tonnes) at deep load. The crew complement consisted of 85 officers and ratings. Her propulsion system comprised two vertical triple-expansion steam engines, each driving a single shaft, powered by two Admiralty three-drum boilers. These engines produced a total of 2,400 indicated horsepower (about 1,800 kW), enabling her to reach a maximum speed of 16.5 knots (30.6 km/h). She carried up to 660 long tons (671 tonnes) of fuel oil, which provided a range of 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km) at a cruising speed of 10 knots (19 km/h). Armament included a single QF 4-inch (102 mm) Mk V anti-aircraft gun, supplemented by four twin mounts for Oerlikon 20 mm cannons, though shortages often led to mixed armament configurations. Later in the war, some twin mounts were replaced by single Bofors 40 mm guns. The ship was also equipped with four depth charge throwers and two rails for anti-submarine warfare. During her service, HMS Larne supported operations in the Mediterranean, notably participating in Operation Dragoon in August 1944. On October 15, 1944, she struck a sea mine off Cape Kalouri, Greece, causing severe damage to her boiler and No. 1 fuel tank, and resulting in the tragic loss of two crew members. The incident also damaged the flotilla leader HMS Clinton. Beached at Poros on October 16, she was subsequently towed for repairs, remaining out of service for the remainder of the war. After the war, she was sold to Italy in 1946, initially renamed Ammiraglio Magnaghi, and later Alabarda (F 560), marking her continued maritime significance as part of the post-war naval forces.

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