Eilean Dhu
Gaelic Name:
Eilean Dhu
Current Status:
Type:
Callsign:
Wood MV
IMO:
MMSI:
Launched:
Acquired:
0
1965
Entered Service:
Disposed:
October 1970
Details
Ordered By:
Cost:
Registered:
Launched by:
Named after:
Bute Ferry Co
Dimensions
Length:
15.8m
Draught:
Breadth:
1.6m
5.4m
Gross Tonnage:
28
Technical
Builders:
Unknown.
Yard No:
0
Engine Builders:
Gleniffer Engines Ltd., Glasgow.
Machinery:
2 Oil 4SCSA 4 cyl. 4 ¾” x 6”.
Speed:
8
Hoist & Lifts:
Remarks:
Capacities
Passengers:
Cars:
Crew:
Lifeboats:
12
6
0
Facilities
N/A
Route Timeline
1965 - 1970: Colintraive - Rhubodach
Current, Last or Usual Route
History
Eilean Dhu was a timber-hulled wartime landing-craft of obscure origins, and was acquired by the Bute Ferry Co. Ltd in 1965, according to Iain C. MacArthur; though Graham Langmuir assets that she was bought during the absence of Eilean Buidhe for alterations, which was in the winter of 1963-64. The ship's new name may have been meant to mean “Dark Island”, but Gaelic was never the Bute Ferry Co. Ltd's strong point. She was re-engined for her new labours.
Eilean Dhu saw little service for the CSP, lying at Colintraive as stand-by vessel as Portree and Dhuirinish maintained the Kyles of Bute crossing in the summer of 1970. In October Eilean Dhu was sold to Mr Roy Ritchie and sailed to Gourock Bay. “Her engines were then transferred to the passenger ferry Gourockian,” records Mr MacArthur, “ and her hull was disposed of.”
Text thanks to John MacLeod
Gallery