The SS Volturno was an ocean liner built by Fairfield Shipbuilding and Engineering Company in Govan, Renfrewshire, with yard number 448. Launched on September 5, 1906, and completed by November 6, she measured 340 feet in length, with a beam of 43 feet and a depth of 31 feet 3 inches. Powered by two triple expansion steam engines producing 2,750 ihp (indicated horsepower), she drove twin screw propellers, achieving a cruising speed of approximately 14 knots. Her engines were constructed by Fairfield Shipbuilding, reflecting the vessel’s robust engineering design typical of early 20th-century ocean liners. Initially owned by the Volturno Steamship Company and managed by D. G. Pinkney & Co. Ltd., she was later sold in 1910 to Canadian Royal Steamships Ltd., operating under the Royal Line. Her service primarily involved transatlantic routes, carrying a mix of passengers—including many immigrants—and cargo, which notably included highly flammable chemicals. On October 9, 1913, while en route from Rotterdam to New York City, the SS Volturno was struck by disaster in the North Atlantic. During a gale, her forward cargo hold was engulfed in flames, which soon led to explosions, especially after the fire spread to her coal bunkers, disabling her fire pumps. Despite efforts by her crew to contain the fire for about two hours, the severity of the blaze compelled Captain Francis Inch to radio a distress signal. Eleven ships responded promptly, including the RMS Carmania, which took command of the rescue operation. The rescue was hampered by heavy seas and frigid conditions, causing multiple lifeboats to capsize or be destroyed, resulting in the tragic loss of 135 lives, mostly women and children. The rescue efforts persisted through October 11, with the rescue ships successfully saving 521 passengers and crew. The aftermath saw the burning wreck of Volturno abandoned, and by October 18, Dutch tanker Charlois scuttled her to prevent hazards to navigation. The SS Volturno's sinking remains a notable maritime disaster, exemplifying the perilous nature of early 20th-century transatlantic travel and the bravery of rescue operations in extreme conditions.

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