SS Tak Shing – reconditioned SS Sai On at Cheoy Lee Shipyard

IDJ has sent the following newspaper article about the river steamer Tak Shing, which was the former “fire-gutted” steamer Sai On, see already posted article below.

Phil Kenny has kindly sent two images below of the Tak Shing.

HF: I have retyped the original newspaper article to aid clarity and searches. Where obvious mistakes have been made I have indicated the correct version by (sic).

Thanks to SCT for proofreading this retyped version of the article.

The Tak Shing Courtesy: Phil Kenny

Tak Shing colour image from 1955 Film Soldier of Fortune Courtesy: Phil Kenny

New ship for the Macao run 

Owners of the new de-luxe river steamer Tak Shing entertained local shipping circles yesterday to celebrate the debut of their vessel on the Hong Kong – Macao run.

Recently re-conditioned at the Choey (sic, Cheoy) Lee Shipyard, Ngnuchiwan (sic Ngauchiwan), the former fire-gutted steamer Sai On looked resplendent, with multi-coloured buntings decorating her superstructure as she berthed alongside To Hing Wharf.

The first three trips of the Tak Shing will be specially made for “Charity Funds” – fares collected on these trips will be sent to several charitable organisations in the Colony.

The Tak Shing, equipped with modern amenities and navigational aids, will leave for the Portuguese colony at 8.30a.m, return by noon and depart again on the following morning.

Her master is the well known Irish veteran skipper, Mr. W.F. O’Farrell.

The vessel is owned by the Tai Yip Company of Hong Kong.

Source: The China Mail 29th April 1950.

This article was first posted on 26th October 2021.

Related Indhhk articles:

1. British river steamer Sai On’s burnt out hulk reconversion at Cheoy Lee Shipyard, newspaper article