MV Scantic

The ship was built in 1936 by Noord Nederland Scheepsmakkerij, Groningen, Netherlands,[1] As yard number 152.[2]

The ship was 42.52 metres (139 ft 6 in) long, with a beam of 6.99 metres (22 ft 11 in). She had a depth of 2.71 metres (8 ft 11 in).[3] As built, she was assessed at 332 GRT.[2] 154 NRT.[4]

The ship was propelled by a 222 nhp 4-stroke Single Cycle Single Action diesel engine, which had six cylinders of 10+13⁄16 inches (27.5 cm) diameter by 13+3⁄4 inches (35 cm) stroke.[2][3][4] The engine drove a single screw propeller. It was built by MWM, Mannheim, Germany.[2]

Dr Colijn was built for M Oosterhuis, Delfzijl, Netherlands. The Code Letters PDSD were allocated.[4] In 1940, she was transferred to the MoWT and renamed Empire Crocus.[1] She was placed under the management of T H Donking & Sons Ltd.[5] The Official Number 167408 was allocated. Her port of registry was London and the Code Letters MNDN were allocated.[6] Empire Crocus was assessed at 341 GRT, 142 NRT.[5]

Empire Crocus was a member of Convoy OA 208, which departed from Methil, Fife on 2 September 1940 and dispersed at sea on 6 September.[7] In 1941, part of her cargo was advertised to be auctioned as prize.[8] Empire Crocus was a member of Convoy EBC 13, which departed Barry, Glamorgan on 16 June 1944 and arrived at the Seine Bay on 18 June.[9] She left the convoy at Falmouth, Cornwall. On 7 July, she repeated the voyage as a member of Convoy EBC 34.[10] Empire Crocus was a member of Convoy TS 63, which departed Takoradi, Gold Coast on 31 August 1944 and arrived at Freetown, Sierra Leone on 5 September.[11]

In 1947, Empire Crocus was sold to H P Marshall & Co Ltd, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire and renamed Stainton. In 1951, she was sold to Mountwood Shipping Co Ltd, Liverpool and renamed Benwood.[1] On 8 January 1952, Benwood was in distress off Great Orme Head, Caernarvonshire. The Holyhead lifeboat was launched but her assistance was not required. Benwood was escorted into Liverpool, Lancashire by a pilot boat.[12] In 1955, she was sold to Rederei AB Henrik Selen, Borgå,[3] Finland and renamed Monica.[1] The Official Number 482 and Code Letters OFVF were allocated. Monica was assessed as 349 GRT, 141 NRT.[3] In 1957, she was sold to N O Olausson, Sweden and renamed Mona.[1] She was assessed as 327 GRT.[2]

In 1963, Mona was sold to J L Hansen,[1] Rønne,[13] Denmark and was renamed Scantic.[1] She was assessed as 326 GRT.[2] On 7 December 1964, Scantic sprang a leak in St George's Channel, United Kingdom in heavy weather. She was on a voyage from Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom to Poole, Dorset with a cargo of lime. Water entered the engine department, and a mayday was sent at 16:30. The five crew took to the lifeboat at 17:30, but it capsized. They were all back in the lifeboat by 17:50, when Scantic capsized and sank at 51°10′N 7°15′W. The crew were rescued the next day by Arthur Allbright.[13]

• Photo of Benwood