What happened to the Patris ship?

History of the Ship In November 1975, Patris left Darwin for the last time, never to return to Australia. She was then sold to the Karageorgis Line and renamed ‘Mediterranean Star’ under whose flag she continued as a ferry and occasional Mediterranean cruise ship until 1986.

What happened to Chandris Lines?

Chandris Line was a Greece-based shipping company founded in 1960 by Anthony Chandris to operate ocean liners between Greece and Australia. In 1985 Chandris Cruises acquired Fantasy Cruises, and subsequently their North American operations were rebranded as Chandris Fantasy Cruises. The company ceased trading in 1996.

What happened to the SS Australis?

The four-crew members were winched off the ship by helicopter, and she was left adrift. On January 17 American Star ran aground on the west coast off Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands . Then 48 hours later with massive waves pounding her she broke in two.

How many voyages did the Greek ship ‘Patris’ make to Australia?

Patris made a total of 91 voyages to Australia between 1959 and 1975 Source: Greek Shipping Miracle Museum “It’s like I witnessed the funeral of a living person,” Nikolaos Soutos, former vice-captain of the iconic Greek ship ‘Patris’ describes the moment the well-travelled migrant ship was finally retired.

When did the Patris first arrive in Australia?

The Patris left Piraeus, Greece for her first immigrant voyage to Australia on 14 December 1959. The first stop was Fremantle on 2 January 1960 followed by Melbourne on 7 January. The vessel, which was originally named ‘Bloemfontein Castle’, began her life carrying passengers from London to Cape Town, South Africa for the Union-Castle Line.

What happened to the Greek ship Patris?

The Greek Chandris Lines ( England) purchased her for their Australian service. Chandris renamed her Patris (Mother Country or Homeland in Greek); she was taken to North Shields where she was given a three week refit, for her new role sailing from Greece to Australia .

Where did the Patris go on her first voyage?

The Patris left Piraeus, Greece, for her first immigrant voyage to Australia on 14 December 1959, reaching Fremantle on 2 January 1960 and Melbourne on 7 January. She made a total of 91 voyages to Australia between 1959 and 1975, travelling regularly via the Suez Canal, stopping at ports such as Aden, Port Said and Colombo.