More Caronia Detail
Coming across detail photographs of the Caronia always causes some excitement here, especially when I have access to someone who can explain in some depth what's being depicted. The photo sent in to me by Len Danson falls very neatly into this category.
Largest Gravity Davits
While much is made of the 6 motor launches, used mainly for ferrying people ashore at cruise ports, these were in fact part of Caronia's complement of 18 lifeboats. I've learned that the two smallest lifeboats, hoisted into the most forward positions on the ship were known as “the radio boats”. This because they were specially fitted with ship-to-shore radios, the latest communication technology of that era!
All the ship's boats were lowered from gravity davits; the ones for the motor-launches being the largest fitted to any passenger liner hitherto.
Built specifically for Caronia's cruising role and launched separately into the River Clyde, they were designed to carry up to 60 people twixt ship and shore in comfort.
Lots of Boat Deck Detail
The picture below is a view along Caronia's Boat Deck, looking forward along the starboard side. I've placed a larger than usual version of it here because of the many small details. The door arch in the background gives access to the aft cabin class lobby. Inside was a stairwell and access to a lift (elevator).
Caronia was equipped with several inflatable life-rafts; three of these can be seen stacked just beyond the tarpaulin covered deckchairs on the left. The long box on the right, outside of the railings, housed the electric motor and gearbox for hoisting the lifeboat back up and onto its davits.
[Photo: Courtesy of Len Danson]
The brake / clutch / fly wheel is also of interest. As the lifeboats were lowered by gravity alone, this was how the rate of descent was controlled. Just glimpsed to its right is the pivot point of a long bar that adjusted the tension of the braking belt. This enabled an AB to stand right at the edge of the superstructure and watch the boat's descent to any boarding deck, and thence down to the water.
Len Danson's photograph is believed to have been taken in Yokohama, which was one of the ports where a full crew boat-drill would take place. On boat-drills at sea, the boats would only be lowered part way, whereas in port, they would be lowered right down to the water, although _not_ with a full complement of crew!
When hoisting the boats back into position and to save burning-out the motors, a handle was attached to this wheel for an AB to lift the the boat the last 3 or 4 inches before being secured. The hawser seen hanging on the right, known as a “gripe”, was used to secure the lifeboats to the ship whilst at sea.
Also of note are the ropes wrapped around the hulls of the boats themselves. These could be used if for any reason in an emergency the lifeboat tipped over in the water. Several people gripping these could fairly easily, weather permitting, return the boat to its righted position.
If you can contribute any information, do please get in touch…
