SS Arawa was a Scottish ocean liner built for the England-Oceania passenger service. She was originally operated by Shaw, Savill & Albion Line from 1884 to 1896 when Arawa was transferred to the Spanish government and renamed Colon. Arawa was given back to her original owners but was shortly after sold to the Elder Dempster and renamed to Lake Megantic serving in the Atlantic Ocean. In 1905, Lake Megantic was transferred to the Imperial Direct West India Mail Line and renamed Port Henderson. In 1912, Port Henderson was sold to Lanz & Wild of Italy being renamed to Anapo but transferred a year later to Soc. Marittima Italiana and renamed Porto Said. Porto Said was torpedoed in 1915 having a total service career of 31 years.[3]
Construction and launch
Arawa was built by William Denny & Bros in Dumbarton with her engines also constructed by Denny & Bros. She was a clipper-style steamship,[4] with a single-screw propeller, four masts, and a clipper bow. The ship displaced 5,026 tons.[4]