The Union Steam Ship Company’s MV Tofua was literally a “banana boat”, bringing fruit from the Pacific Islands to New Zealand as well as carrying passengers in cabins and on deck.
“The photo above was taken on Tofua’s last voyage, and Captain Bennett was the Master. From left to right you can see the emergency receiver, the main receiver (Atalanta), the Auto Keying Device (partly obscured) and to the very right is an Oceanspan transmitter. The key is the wonderful Marconi 365EX or 365FX. All the equipment seen was made by MIMCo – Marconi International Marine Company of Chelmsford, Essex, UK.”
– David Smith
Owner: Union Steam Ship Co
Builder: William Denny & Bros, Dumbarton, Scotland
Gross tonnage: 5299
Entered service: 1951
Finished service: 1973
Scrapped: 1975
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