Lot Essay
The steel screw steamer Asimina was launched as the Beechley in 1894. Built on the Tyne by Swan & Hunter for the North of Ireland Steamship Company, she was registered in Belfast at 2,878 tons gross (1,852 net) and measured 313 feet in length with a 41 foot beam. Engined by Westgarth, English & Co. of Middlesbrough, she remained with her original owners until 1906 when she was sold to S.G. Embiricos of Andros (Greece). Re-registered under Greek colours and renamed Asimina, she continued trading until sunk by a German submarine off the island of Stromboli whilst on passage from New York to Castellamare on 26th January 1918.