Story
This fishboat, seiner was built in 1939 by Union Boat Works Ltd. in Vancouver, BC.
Historical Notes
In 1941 this vessel was seized by the Custodian of Enemy Property (Frank Shears), Ottawa ON Canada.
In 1942 her ownership was transferred to His Majesty the King (Japanese Fishboat Disposal Committee). On September 17, 1965 this seiner sank in Hecate Strait BC Canada. This vessel was returning to Prince Rupert when heavy seas flooded the engine.THe fishboat Twinkle put a line aboard her but the seas were too heavy to tow the seiner. Then the Smith Sound capsized so quickly the crew did not have time to put on lifejackets.
They didn't carry a liferaft and the skiff was full of gear. The crew jumped in the ocean together and Edward Bitman simply disappeared.
Owners & Masters
In 1939-1941 she was owned by Chosuke Nakamura, Vancouver BC Canada.
In 1942 her ownership transferred to His Majesty the King (Japanese Fishing Vessel Disposal Committee). At the time her appraised value was $16,400.
In 1941 she was appraised at $14,100.
In 1942 her ownership was transferred to His Majesty the King (Japanese Fishing Vessel Disposal Committee).
In 1942-1945 she was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy Fisherman's Reserve.
In 1945-1966 she was owned by Nelson Brothers Fisheries Ltd., Vancouver BC Canada.
Masters
In 1942 Mario Pastro (Coxswain RCNR) in command as tender to H.M.C.S. Givenchy.
In 1943 Mario Pastro (Coxswain RCNR) in command as tender to H.M.C.S. Givenchy II.
In 1944 Mario Pastro (Coxswain RCNR (FR)) in command as tender to H.M.C.S. Givenchy. Captain George Ermoff (1965)
Armament
She was equipped with Oropesa minesweeping gear.
Name Significance
Sound south of Rivers Inlet, Queen Charlotte Sound Range 2 Coast District.
Repower
Repowered in 1953 with a 95bhp 3nhp diesel engine by L. Gardner & Sons Ltd., Patricroft UK.
References
- Transportation Safety Board of Canada (1993)
- Government of Canada The Canadian Navy List Ottawa ON
- Canada List of Shipping
- Japanese Fishing Vessels Disposal Committee (December 1942) Report of Japanese Fishing Vessels Disposal Committee. Vancouver BC
- Canada List of Shipping
- List of Shipping Casualties Resulting in Total Loss in British Columbia and Coastal Waters Since 1897 (undated manuscript document)
- RG12 Reel T-11842 (1942) (Smith Sound)
- RG12 Reel T-11853 (1966) (Smith Sound)
- RG24 Volume 6729 File 8000-471/55 General Information H.M.C.S. Smith Sound
- <jenkins.hcmc.uvic.ca ↗
- heritage.canadiana.ca ↗
- Vancouver Sun (Vancouver BC) Monday September 19, 1966 page 23
