The unlucky ship which ran into a heap of trouble - and the side of the pier - in Sunderland
Im wondering how many people remember this quirky tale - of the ship which became a headline-hitter in Sunderland before it even began in service.
The 16,350 ton Iason had quite the story to tell in her earliest days on Wearside.
A 15ft rip in the side of the cargo liner
It was known in January 1970 as the ship with no name at least for a moment. Workers are pictured getting ready to paint the name of the vessel on the stern of the cargo liner which was built at the Pallion yard for Greek owners.
They had done all the hard work on getting the Iason ready in January 1970. The ship even made it out into the North Sea for acceptance trials after the work was completed.
But then Wearside was hit by storms and as the Iason returned to port, and she was blown into the North Pier.
The collision caused a 15ft rip in the hull as shown in these Sunderland Echo photos.
In service for 27 years
A workman is seen looking through the 15ft vertical gash in the hull of the ship which was taken to the Pallion yard.
Another shows painters who were preparing to repaint the name of the vessel on the stern.
Tell us if you worked in the shipyards and your memories of the jobs you did and the people you worked with.
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