TSS TARSUS

Last updated June 2009

TSS Tarsus, Circa 1950

The USS Harry Lee's career in the Navy ended in 1946 when she was declared surplus and was returned to American Export Lines, which again named her Exochorda, then quickly sold her to the Turkish government. Renamed TSS Tarsus by her new owners, she disappeared from the maritime world for three years. After an extensive refit at Bethlehem Steel Company's yard in Baltimore during 1949-50 that saw her passenger capacity increase from 140 to 465, the Tarsus was ready to resume her pre-war sailings between New York and Istanbul, but under the houseflag of Turkish Maritime Lines.

Only three round voyages were made by the Tarsus, the first in 1951, the second in 1954, and the third in 1955. It can only be presumed that her transatlantic activities were not financially successful. After the third voyage, she was confined to trading in the Mediterranean.

On December 14, 1960, the Yugoslav tanker, Peter Zoranic was sailing through the Bosphorus ladened with gasoline and kerosene. About midway through, she crashed into the empty Greek tanker, World Harmony sailing from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. A tremendous fire broke out on the Peter Zoranic, and several explosions occurred aboard the Greek Tanker. After the collision, the Yugoslav tanker, burning fiercely and out of control, started to drift with the current across the Strait. The Peter Zoranic collided with the Tarsus, which was anchored outside a dry dock awaiting repairs. The fire spread from the tanker to the Tarsus and she was completely destroyed.

TSS TARSUS

TSS Tarsus, Circa 1950

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