The SS Cufic was a livestock carrier built by Harland & Wolff for the White Star Line, completed on December 1, 1888. It measured 4,639 gross registered tons, making it a sizable vessel of its era. The ship’s design and construction reflected its primary role in carrying livestock, facilitating maritime trade routes between major ports. The Cufic had a sister ship, the SS Runic, indicating its part of a class of ships designed for similar purposes. Initially, the Cufic operated on the Liverpool to New York route, serving as a vital link between Europe and North America. In 1896, the vessel was chartered to a Spanish shipping company and renamed Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Under this new identity, she transported horses between Spain and Cuba, highlighting her versatility and the importance of livestock transport in maritime commerce of the period. In 1898, the ship reverted to White Star Line ownership and regained the name Cufic. Subsequently, in 1901, she was transferred to the Dominion Line and renamed Manxman. During her service life, she was later sold to a Canadian shipping line. Notably, during World War I, the Manxman was employed as a troop transport in 1917, reflecting her adaptability to wartime needs. Her final voyage ended in tragedy on December 18, 1919, when the Manxman foundered in the North Atlantic amid terrible weather conditions while transporting wheat from Portland, Maine, to Gibraltar. The wreck resulted in the loss of around 40 crew members. Rescue efforts saved 19 people, who were rescued by the SS British Isles. Her sinking marked a significant event in maritime history, exemplifying the perils faced by merchant ships in the early 20th century.

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