Cabedello: The Journey of a Prussia-Class Cargo Ship
The Cabedello (also spelled Cabedelo) was a cargo steamship with a complex history spanning two world wars and multiple national identities. Originally constructed in Germany, the vessel served as a vital link in international trade before becoming a casualty of the volatile maritime environment of the mid-20th century.
Key Facts
- Original Name: Prussia (launched 1912).
- Builder: Flensburger Schiffbau, Flensburg, Germany.
- Tonnage: 3,557 Gross Register Tonnage (GRT).
- Propulsion: Single screw powered by a triple-expansion engine.
- Fate: Missing in the Atlantic Ocean, February 1942.
Origins and Early Service as the Prussia
Launched on April 23, 1912, and completed by June 14 of the same year, the ship was originally named Prussia. She was built by Flensburger Schiffbau (yard number 321) for the Hamburg America Line (HAPAG). During her early years, she operated on a route connecting Hamburg to eastern South America.
The outbreak of the First World War altered her trajectory. In the opening weeks of the conflict, the Prussia served as an auxiliary ship for an Imperial German Navy cruiser operating in the South Atlantic. By September 1914, she sought refuge in a neutral Brazilian port to avoid capture or conflict.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Seizure and Transition to Brazilian Ownership
The ship's status changed in 1917 when the Government of Brazil seized the vessel in response to Germany sinking Brazilian merchant ships. Upon seizure, she was renamed Cabedello. Her port of registry shifted from Hamburg to Rio de Janeiro by 1919.
Management of the vessel transitioned over the following decade. By 1920, the Government of France operated the ship, but by 1923, Lloyd Brasileiro took over management. By 1927, Lloyd Brasileiro became the official owner of the vessel.
Technical Specifications
As a member of the Prussia-class cargo ships, the Cabedello was designed for reliability and capacity. She featured a single deck and was powered by a triple-expansion engine—a type of steam engine that expands steam through three successive cylinders to increase efficiency.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 364.3 ft (111.0 m) |
| Beam (Width) | 51.0 ft (15.5 m) |
| Depth | 22.0 ft (6.7 m) |
| Tonnage | 3,557 GRT / 2,180 NRT |
| Installed Power | 318 NHP / 2,200 IHP |
| Speed | 11 to 12 knots (20 to 22 km/h) |
| Crew Size | 46 (1912) to 54 (1942) |
The Final Voyage and Disappearance
The Cabedello disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean in February 1942. While it has been alleged that an Italian submarine was responsible for her sinking, no concrete evidence of an attack was ever recovered. The exact date of her foundering remains unknown, though it is believed to have occurred between February 14 and February 25, 1942.
It is worth noting a distinction in maritime records regarding the name. Lloyd's Register consistently spelled this vessel as Cabedello (with a double 'L'). This distinguishes her from a later cargo ship named Cabedelo (single 'L'), built by Canadian Vickers in 1945 for Lloyd Brasileiro, which remained registered until at least 1959.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who built the Cabedello?
The ship was built by Flensburger Schiffbau in Flensburg, Germany, and was launched in April 1912.
Why was the ship renamed from Prussia to Cabedello?
The ship was seized by the Government of Brazil in 1917 after Germany began sinking Brazilian merchant ships during World War I.
What happened to the Cabedello in 1942?
The vessel went missing in the Atlantic Ocean in February 1942. Although some suspect an Italian submarine, there is no evidence of an attack.
How many sister ships did the Cabedello have?
She had six sister ships in the Prussia-class: Palatia, Phoenecia, Persia, Patria, Polaria, and Parthia.
What is the difference between the Cabedello and the Cabedelo?
The Cabedello (double 'L') was the original German-built ship that disappeared in 1942. The Cabedelo (single 'L') was a separate vessel built by Canadian Vickers in 1945.