LIFE RING - M.V. MANUNDA

The M.V. MANUNDA was commissioned by The Adelaide Steamship Company in 1927, to be built by Willaim Beardmore & Co. of Glasgow. It was to be “a diesel-engined passenger ship of about 9,000 tons with a cruising speed of sixteen knots, to carry 176 first-class passengers and 136 second-class passengers"[1]. It served as a passenger ship up until 1940, at which time she was requisitioned by the Navy Board to be converted to a Royal Australian Navy hospital ship.

The life ring is of cork, canvas and rope construction with a distinctive red and white colour scheme which indicates that it was used on the ship when she was in active service during WWII as a Royal Australian Navy hospital ship. It's in original condition with only some minor paint restoration to the canvass covering.

The outside diameter is just under 76 cm (30 inches).

[1] Ref. M PAGE, Fitted For The Voyage, The Adelaide Steamship Company Limited 1875 - 1975