I wonder if anyone can help with the previous history of the paddle steamer Pencho, probably originally a tug, which sailed form Bratislava down the Danube and into the Mediterranean in 1940 with settlers for Israel. She was wrecked on the coast of Mytilene, Greece.
I remember her being mentioned in an article in Steamboat Bill a number of years ago on ships which were involved in emigration to Israel prior to the formation of the state of Israel in 1948, and also that there was mention there of a book named Odyssey by John Bierman, about the voyage

I can't help much Alistair, but I did find the following link: http://www.wertheimer.info/family/GRAMPS/Haapalah/plc/4/a/b03dfe613605e4b96a4.html

It says the ship was also known as "Pentcho" and registered as "Stefano", so maybe some searches on those may turn up more info? I'm afraid I don't have the time right now to go looking.

Regards
Eddy

Another link, though it doesn't give more info

http://paulsilverstone.com/immigration/Primary/Aliyah/ShowShip1A.php?shipno=60&pic=ShipPix/resized_61.Pencho%20wrecked%20C-9.jpg&shipname=%3Ci%3EPentcho%3C/i%3E&rowno=67

Regards
Eddy

PENCHO was not wrecked in Mitilini but in the island of Kamilonosi (aka Khamili) in the Dodecanesse (35 51 N, 26 14 E)
Her engines failed on her way towards the island which was a rendezvous point for the illegal boats. There the passengers would be usualy transferred to a larger ship for the final leg to Palestine.

Also, there are a couple of photos of the wrecked ship here as well as a text in Greek.

And where is "there"?

Andreas

Hi Andy
If you click on the "here" in Dido's text, the link will take you there.

or try this link

http://astypalaia.wordpress.com/category/%CE%B1%CE%B9%CE%B3%CE%B1%CE%B9%CE%BF-%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%B1-%CE%BD%CE%B1%CF%85%CE%B1%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%B1/



(all greek to me)

cheers
kiwi

Hi all

There was a bonus for me at that site over and above the details of the Pench.

The details and contemporary photo of the Turkish ironclad 'Feht-i-Bulent' were right up my street if off subject.

Regards.....Benie