RYNDAM RESCUE

26 May 1915

 

26 May 1915, TEXAS and SOUTH CAROLINA race through the fog off Rhode Island to rescue the passengers of the RYNDAM, a ship of the Holland-American Ship Line.  The RYNDAM had collided with the Norwegian steamer JOSEPH J. CUNEO, off the Nantucket Shoals .  All 230 passengers were rescued.  Both ships subsequently escort the injured RYNDAM to New York City.  The shipping line and the Dutch monarchy presented TEXAS and SOUTH CAROLINA with 31 inch long silver pewter replica of the DE ZEVEN PROVINCIEN.  This ship was the flagship of the Dutch Navy, from April 1666 to October 1674.  The model presented to BB35, is on display, in the TEXAS Wardroom.
Photos of the model replica courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Additional data about RYNDAM from "Mariners List" and courtesy of Mr. Ted Finch.

The RYNDAM was a 12,340 gross ton ship, length 550.3ft x beam 62.3ft, one funnel, two masts, twin screw and a speed of 15 knots. Accommodation for 286-1st, 196-2nd and 1,800-3rd class passengers. Built by Harland & Wolff, Belfast, she was launched for Holland America Line on 18th May 1901. Her maiden voyage started on 10th Oct.1901 when she left Rotterdam for New York. On 18th Jan.1916 she was damaged by a mine in the North Sea but was repaired and resumed Rotterdam - New York sailings on 15th Apr.1916. Requisitioned by the US Government for transport service on 21st Mar.1918, she was released at Rotterdam in Oct.1919. On 31st Jul.1920 she resumed Rotterdam - New York sailings, was refitted to carry cabin and 3rd class passengers in May 1925, and cabin, tourist and 3rd class in May 1926. Her last Rotterdam - New York voyage started on 16th Apr.1929 and she was scrapped at Hendrik Ibo Ambacht, Netherlands,  in 1929.