Builders: William Denny & Bros, Dumbarton. 1951
Propulsion type: Twin screw, two stroke Sulzer diesel engines.
Owner: British Railways, Southern Region. Firth of Clyde Steam Packet Co Ltd.
Service dates: 1951 - 1981
Tonnage: Gross 833
Comments:
Shanklin was the third of three sisters built by Dennys for British Railways after the war. The first two, Brading and Southsea (III) were built in 1948 and all had similar dimensions and appearance. Each could carry 1400 passengers and their introduction spelled the end for PS Southsea, PS Shanklin and PS Merstone on the Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight run. All three new motor vessels had an operating speed of around 14 knots. Shanklin was improved in 1967 by the fitting of bigger gangways, having her promenade deck covered and her funnel lengthened. In 1980 she was operating under the Sealink banner and was made available for sale, due to engine troubles and the proposed introduction of purpose built catamarans for the trip to Ryde.
The Paddle Steamer Preservation Society had looked at Shanklin, with a view to making her into a fleetmate for PS Waverley but she was purchased by a Scottish concern called Firth of Clyde Steam Packet Co Ltd. She sailed upto Scotland in November 1980, using just one engine and despite encountering heavy seas and poor weather she arrived safely in the Clyde. After renovation and being renamed Prince Ivanhoe, she was chartered for use on the Bristol Channel under the use of the Waverley's owners. She was found to be roomy and economical and was proving a success. Tradgedy struck, however on 3 August 1981 when she hit an underwater obstruction off the South Wales Coast. She tore a 60 foot hole below the waterline and began to sink. Her captain, Capt Neill of the Waverley, made to beach her and he was successful, with the ship coming to rest about 100 yards from the shore. All 400 passengers were safely landed although one sadly died shortly afterwards. Prince Ivanhoe was a total loss and scrapped soon afterwards. Had this not happened she may still have been sailing today.