SS Avoceta

The SS Avoceta was a British steam passenger liner built in 1923 by Caledon Shipbuilding & Engineering Company in Dundee. It was part of a trio of ships for Yeoward Brothers, along with Alondra and Aguila, featuring similar engineering components. During World War II, Avoceta served on convoys between Liverpool and Gibraltar, carrying passengers and cargo despite the dangers posed by enemy submarines.

In 1941, as part of Convoy HG 73, Avoceta was attacked by U-203 near Ireland. The submarine fired torpedoes, sinking Avoceta quickly and resulting in the loss of 123 lives, including crew, passengers, and Royal Navy staff. Only 40 survivors were rescued. The incident occurred alongside the sinking of another ship, Varangberg, with both ships losing a total of 144 lives.

The SS Avoceta's crew members who perished are commemorated on the Merchant Navy War Memorial in London.