Dampfschlepper ZOODOCHOS PIGI

[Dido]

Regarding the entry of ZOODOCHOS PIGI at http://www.historisches-marinearchiv.de/projekte/verluste_griechenland/ausgabe.php?rubrik=%&where_value=552
I would like to add some information mainly on the postwar years of the ship.

Die ZOODOCHOS PIGI wurde vermutlich im Jahr 1942 nach Piräus geschickt wo sie ein zweites Mal versenkt wurde. Nach dem Krieg wurde das Schiff geborgen und dem Eigner zurückgegeben der es anschließend reparierte und wieder einsetzte. [D]
15.08.1955 die ZOODOCHOS PIGI sank aus Altersgründen in der Bucht von Perama und wurde später abgewrackt. [A]
03.04.1958 aus dem Hafenregister Piräus gestrichen. [A]

The ship was indeed returned after the war to her pre-war owner Nikolaos Emm. Vernicos. In 1947 he passed away and the onwership was transferred to his son Manos Vernicos, well know for his involvement with SOE operations in WWII under the code name "Captain Emilios". He also was the skipper of IRINI VERNICOU until her abandonment in Suda in May 1941. Manos unfortunately passed away two months later and the title of the ship went to his wife Phoebe Coums and their children. It seems that the vessel run into troubles as she was put in public auction in 1951 and at the end of 1953 she was bought by Alexandros Vernicos, one of Manos' brothers. The ship was laid up when she foundered at Perama and her wreck was demolished in 1958.

In the book "Greek Passenger Coastlines" by A.I.Tzamtzis appears a painting of the vessel ZOODOCHOS PIGI (attachment 1). I believe that it depicts this vessel while owned by Vernicos  (Βερνίκος) family, hence the "B" on her funnel. The family had used some of their tugs for excursions as well as for charters to wealthy citizens for use as improvised yachts. This explains the extended superstructure. The hull lines correspond to a tug and the size fits the specifications of the 1903-build ZOODOCHOS PIGI.

Also, according to Dounis' "Shipwrecks of the Greek Seas" the ship was constructed at the Vasiliades shipyard situated at the edge of the harbour next as depicted in attachment 2.

Some more information on the ship at: www.nautilia.gr/forum/showthread.php?188405-%C6%F9%EF%E4%FC%F7%EF%F2-%D0%E7%E3%DE-Zoodochos-Pigi

[London1]

Hello,

I really wonder if the following vessel I found in my files could be the same vessel?

ZOODOCHOS PIGI    
Tug/Wood/Screwsteamer
Bld.: MacDowell & Barbour, Piraeus   
L: 1903 T: 1903            Eng.: VCE2cyl 200ihp MacDowell & Barbour, Piraeus
44,53gt  13,66nt  (8nt?)                                 

1903: ZOODOCHOS PIGI /Gr 1913: ZOODOCHOS PIGI Marc Rigo, İstanbul (m) /Fr 22.11.1914: seized by Osmanlı Government at İstanbul 1914: commissioned by Osmanlı Bahriye, later transferred to Levazim İşleri Dairesi (m) Osmanlı Seyr-i Sefain İdaresi, İstanbul 1919: discovered by Marine Nationale at İstanbul, but French flag refused

[London1]

Sorry,

One correction: I mixed builder and engine builder. No builder stated, but engine made by MacDowell & Barbour.

[Dido]

It should be the same vessel. Thanks for sharing those interesting details!

[Dimitris Galon]

I agree completely with Dido.

Thanks for the valuable information London1

Best regards
DG