HMS Princess Irene

HMS Princess Irene
History
United Kingdom
NamePrincess Irene
Owner
  • Canadian Pacific Railway (1914–15)
  • Royal Navy (1915)
Operator Royal Navy
Port of registry
  • Victoria, Canada (1914–15)
  • Royal Navy (1915)
BuilderWilliam Denny and Brothers Ltd
Yard number1006
Launched20 October 1914
FateExploded and sank 27 May 1915
General characteristics
Type
Tonnage5,394 GRT
Length395 ft (120 m)
Beam54 ft (16 m)
Draught17 ft (5.2 m)
Installed power4 steam turbines
Speed22.5 knots (41.7 km/h)
Crew225
NotesSister ship Princess Margaret
Location where Princess Irene exploded

HMS Princess Irene was a 5,394 GRT ocean liner which was built in 1914 by William Denny and Brothers Ltd, Dumbarton, Scotland for the Canadian Pacific Railway. She was requisitioned by the Royal Navy on completion and converted to an auxiliary minelayer. On 27 May 1915, she exploded and sank off Sheerness, Kent, while being loaded with mines prior to a deployment mission, with the loss of 352 lives.