The beautiful Achille Lauro photographed on what was to be her last call to Southampton as she caught fire and sank just a year and a half later.

Built by 'de Schelde' M.V. at Flushing as the Willem Ruys for Koninklijke Rotterdamsche Lloyd N.V. she was delivered on 21 November 1947, although her keel had been laid before the war on 25 January 1939. She was sold and renamed Achille Lauro in 1965. Much rebuilt over the years she was eventually converted to cruising configuration and operated in that role until her loss. She hit the news in 1985 when she was hijacked by a group of Palestinians off Port Said, when 1 passenger was lost. On 30 November 1994 she caught fire off the Somali coast, and finally sank on 2 December.

photo : Calshot, Southampton Water, 18:03:1993
photo : © Dr. Allan Ryszka-Onions 1993/2011