TYNE BUILT SHIPS
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Name: COBRA
Type: Destroyer
Keel: 27/05/1898
Launched: 28/06/1899
Completed: 21/08/1900
Builder: Armstrong, Whitworth & Co
Yard: Elswick
Yard Number: 674
Dimensions: 354disp, 223.5 x 20.5 x 5.5(draft)ft
Engines: 4 x Steam turbines, 11500shp
Engines by: Parsons Marine Steam Turbine Co Ltd, Wallsend
Propulsion: 4 x Shafts, 12 x Screws, 34.5knots
Construction: Steel
Armament: 1 x 12pdr QF, 5 x 1 x 6pdr QF guns; 2 x 1 x 18.0ins torpedoes
History:
21/08/1900 Armstrong, Whitworth & Co
09/1901 Admiralty
18/09/1901 Sank
Comments: 27/05/1898: Laid down as a "stock" vessel
Launch report mentions name as VIPER, but this is probably an error
08/1899: Run into by a collier and required repairs
Admiralty were reticent to take her due to her poor condition
Extra stiffening added to the shell and given a guarantee of 34.0knots
Admiralty eventually purchased COBRA for £63,500
18/09/1901: Broke in two and sank off Flamborough Head
On a voyage from Tyne to Portsmouth to be armed. 67 persons died
The Admiralty said she was structurally unsound & should not have been purchased
Builders said that she hit a submerged object at speed, causing flooding & the break


Above photo is copyright of the Imperial War Museum

Above photo is copyright of the Imperial War Museum

Shields Daily Gazette, Tuesday, 04/07/1899