Clive!
Thank you very much for your herebelow absolutely correct remarks ref. VERA CRUZ and for guiding me further on my query.
I still today slightly recall, in the corner of my mind, that in 1961 (I was then 11) there was a great-great fuss on board, but it comes out now, not on 'Vera Cruz' BUT on her sister ship 'SANTA MARIA'.
The whole great fuss & drama on board SANTA MARIA was caused by the dramatic event which there happened:
"The vessel became world news when in 1961 was abducted by members of a group known as DRIL which was opposition to the Antonio Salazar government, this episode marks the first political kidnapping of an ocean liner in modern history."
(source: Google: Portuguese liners "SANTA MARIA" and "VERA CRUZ")
Kind regards/Jadran

I have no knowledge of this ship having suffered a severe fire at any time in her career. She was initially employed on the Lisbon to South America service but from 1960 she was transferred to the Lisbon - Angola service. She was sold for scrap in 1973 and arrived at Taiwanese breakers in April of that year.

I very slightly recall, that this fine classic passenger ship unfortunately suffered severe fire with victims on board in the early 60s (I think 1961).
Maybe that was her end, I don't know!?

IMO 5378347

Beautiful liner!