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SS EXOCHORDA

Exochorda is a small genus of four species of flowering plants in the family Rosaceae, native to China and central Asia (Turkestan).

Last updated June 2009

General Specifications

Type Cargo Liner, single funnel (American Export)
Displacement 9,989 tons (lt)
Length 475 ft
Beam 62 ft (19 m)
Draft 26 ft (7.9 m)
Propulsion Single Screw Steam turbine
Speed 16 kt
Accomodations 189 1st Class, 66 2nd Class, 210 3rd Class

SS Exochorda (I)
American Export Lines, SS EXOCHORDA (I), 19 September 1939

The SS Exochorda was one of the first-generation "4 Aces". Her sister ships were SS Excalibur, SS Excambion, and SS Exeter. Originally built for American Export Lines by New York Shipbuilding of Camden, New Jersey, contract #395, between 1929 and 1931. AEL placed the "4 Aces" in service between the US and the Mediterranean, offering cruises of up to 40 days. During WWII she served as the HARRY LEE, and in 1946 was sold to Turkey, becoming the TSS TARSUS

From 1930 until 1940 the Exochorda delivered cargo, mail, and passengers on round trips from the American Export Lines terminal in Jersey City, New Jersey (New York harbor) to various ports in the Mediterranean.

From 1940 to 1941 the Exochorda made many round trips between Lisbon, Portugal and New York. The Excochorda was instrumental in the success of the war-time Emergency Rescue Committee; transporting thousands of refugees from Nazi Europe to freedom in the United States.

The Exochorda was acquired by the Navy Oct 30, 1940 as a transport and renamed AP-17 Harry Lee. Harry Lee was armed with four 40-mm guns. Redesignated APA-10 in 1943; two 6" guns added to armament. Harry Lee was the only Ace to survive World War II.

After the war, the Harry Lee was sold to Turkey and renamed TSS Tarsus. Tarus was refitted at Bethlehem Steel, 1949-50. From 1950 to 1955 Tarus made three voyages on the New York-Istanbul run for Turkish Maritime Lines. On 14 December 1960, Tarsus was anchored near Instinye, in the Strait of Bosphorus. The Yugoslav tanker Peter Zoranic collided with the Greek tanker World Harmony, caught fire, and drifted across the Strait until it collided with Tarsus. Both vessels were destroyed.

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