Maltese ferryship (Malta-Sicily) "WESTMINSTER" (1928) (Star of Malta) in No. 1 Dock
Classification(s)
Object TypePhotograph
Extent1 photograph in loose collection
Registration NumberMMPHOT-002213
DescriptionBuilt as yacht "RAMFIS", owned by Rafael Trujillo (dictator of Dominica from 1930). Purchased by US Navy on 2 Feb. 1942 and served during WWII as the American Patrol-Yacht "PY-28 MARCASITE" (armed with 2-3" guns). Sold on 5 Dec. 1944 and began operating as civilian "COMANDO" in 1946. Sold in 1947 and renamed "WESTMINSTER" but renamed "STAR OF MALTA" in 1952. Operated as ferry between Malta and Sicily from about 1948 to about 1958. Ran aground, during dense fog, on Mercanti Reef, off Dragonara, at 0800 of 29 July 1955 while returning from Sicily. Refloated on 15 August 1955 by the salvage-vessels "HERAKLES" and "SVITZER". Left Malta under tow of "SVITZER" on 19 August 1955 for repairs at the Rodriguez shipyard in Messina. Returned to Malta on 18 October 1955.Special Collection
Malta Drydocks Collection
Public Access
Not on viewMuseumMalta Maritime Museum
Location
- Dockyard Archive
EEA9043-01-044
1999
Photography
MMPHOT-002297
Photography