The SS Empire Buckler was a cargo vessel with a gross register tonnage (GRT) of 7,046, constructed in 1941 by Lithgows Ltd in Port Glasgow, with yard number 979. She was launched on June 30, 1942, and completed by September of the same year. The ship measured 432 feet 2 inches (131.72 meters) in length, with a beam of 56 feet 2 inches (17.12 meters), and a depth of 34 feet 2 inches (10.41 meters). Her propulsion was provided by a triple expansion steam engine, built by D Rowan & Co Ltd in Glasgow, featuring cylinders with bores of 24½ inches, 39 inches, and 70 inches, and a stroke of 48 inches, enabling her to reach a speed of approximately 12 knots. Initially operated by Houlder Brothers Ltd under the management of the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT), Empire Buckler played an active role in World War II convoy operations. She participated in several convoys, including KMS 2, departing Loch Ewe in October 1942, where she transported a cargo of petrol, stores, and troops. During this voyage, she temporarily detached from the convoy after cargo shifted but rejoined later. In December 1942, she was part of convoy MKS 3X from Bône, Algeria, arriving in Liverpool, but lost her propeller during the journey, leaving her adrift until she was towed into Swansea. Her service record also notes her presence during the U-boat threats, including a sighting by U-66 in February 1944, although she was not attacked. Postwar, she entered merchant service under different names: Ovingdean Grange (from 1946), Sabrina (from 1959), and Noemi (from 1961). Her later career saw her under Liberian and Lebanese flags, operated by various companies. Her maritime career ended when she ran aground at Masirah, Oman, on December 17, 1965, and was declared a constructive total loss. Her wreck was partially salvaged, and her story is commemorated in maritime art, notably in a painting by Montague Dawson depicting her under tow after the loss of her propeller.

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