A Brief History of the Ship
Scott Whittlesey has graciously put together a great history of the ship, detailing its history and the many name changes she experienced over the years.m.s. Maetsuycker
Built: 1936 by Nederlandsche Dok Mij. of Amsterdam
Launched: 9 Sep 1936
Commissioned: 23 Jan 1937
Bow Number: 63
Weight: 4172 Tons
Dimensions: length 361’ beam 52’ draft 17’
Engine: Werkspoor 8 cyl diesel of 3600 hp Speed: 14.5 knots
Passenger capacity: 24 1st class, 27 2nd class, 1,438 (?) deck passengers
20 Jan 1942 - Troopship for British Ministry of War
05 Jan 1944 - Converted to hospital ship in Melbourne, Australia for the U.S. Army War Shipping Administration. Under captain D.L. Ingelse, served with Admiral Kinkaid’s 7th Fleet during the campaign to recapture the Philippines. Operated with Dutch crew and American medical personnel.
Transported wounded military personnel from combat areas to hospitals at established U.S. bases. As progress was made towards the Philippines, hospitals were established at bases in former combat areas.
In early June, 1945, Maetsuycker put to sea from the Philippiness so as not to be in port when an approaching major typhoon struck the islands. The ship was nonetheless damaged in the storm, sailed south to Biak for temporary repairs on 26 June, and arrived at Sydney on 7 July to receive major repairs. While at Sydney, the Pacific war ended.
On 27 June, Maetsuycker reverted to the Netherlands government, until 1 Jan 1947.
13 Jun 1947 - Arrived at Amsterdam where it was rebuilt to its original state as a passenger ship by Nederlandsche Dok Scheepbouw Mij. Conversion was completed by January, 1948.
27 Jun 1948 Arrived at Fremantle, Australia, carrying individuals and families that migrated to Australia after World War II from various European Countries, as part of the International Refugee Organisation Group Resettlement to Australia
1948 - Sailed for the Kon Java-China Paketvaart Lijnen N.V. Amsterdam (became Royal Interocean)
1960 - Became the ms Tong Han, Palembang Shipping Co. Ltd., Panama
1964 - Became the ms Gavina for Compania de Naviera Gatum S.A. Panama
1965 - Became the ms Paceco for Compania de Naviera Thompson S.A. Panama
1970 - Became the ms Gamsolo (same company).
1971 - Became the ms Hysan (same company)
Sep 1974 - Scrapped in Taiwan.