New Island-Built Ship for Suva-
p. 54 · Read in the full issue
Vanua Levu Run
From Our Own Correspondent
Suva. Jan. 24.
BUILT in a palm-grove at the island of Nairai and completed at the Bay of Islands, in Suva Harbour, the 98-ton vessel, “Island Prince,” is now in ser vice between Suva and Vanua Levu and other parts of the Group.
The keel was laid at Nairai in January, 1946, and for nearly two years the builder and designer, Mr. W. Baker, with a few assistants laboured at the hull.
The working model was prepared by Mr. Baker, who drew on a wealth of ship building and sailing experience. Between 1916 and 1942 he built three vessels at Nairai and one at Lau. They included the well-known “Island Queen.”
The “Island Prince” was christened by Mrs. Baker with a bowl of yaqona in November, 1947, and after launching was towed to Suva Harbour to avoid any pos sible hurricane damage.
“Island Prince” has a length of 92 ft., a beam of 26 ft. and a depth of hold of approximately 8 ft., accommodation for 72 persons, including the ship’s company of 15.