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Mallows Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Afrania

Afrania was a cargo ship built for the U.S. Shipping Board during World War I. It made one known trans-Atlantic trip to Rouen, France, and returned in 1919 to Norfolk, Virginia. The ship burned in 1926 and was brought to Mallows Bay. Aerial photographs from 1952 show that the ship likely drifted from its original location. Later, it was moved closer to shore and anchored to stop any future movement, so as to not interfere with other ships sailing in the bay.

Today, Afrania rests on its keel, partially submerged with its bow (front) facing north. The remains of the hull are wood, and the ship had a screw propulsion system. Small mounds of bricks have been seen in the middle of the ship. Over time, the ship’s hull filled with sediment and now supports the thick growth of plants that offer habitat to a variety of animals.

 

 

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Grant Smith-Porter shipyards, building hull of an unidentified wooden cargo vessel, 1918. (Source: Oregon Historical Society). Grant Smith-Porter shipyards, building hull of an unidentified wooden cargo vessel, 1918. (Source: Oregon Historical Society). Grant Smith-Porter shipyards, building hull number 2178. Ultimately this vessel was named Alcis, a Ferris-type wooden cargo vessel, and like Afrania, ended up in Mallows Bay, Maryland. (Source: Oregon Historical Society). Grant Smith-Porter shipyards, building hull number 2178. Ultimately this vessel was named Alcis, a Ferris-type wooden cargo vessel, and like Afrania, ended up in Mallows Bay, Maryland. (Source: Oregon Historical Society). Close up of Afrania, as part of a larger image mosaic that utilized drones. (Source: Duke University/NOAA). Close up of Afrania, as part of a larger image mosaic that utilized drones. (Source: Duke University/NOAA). Close up of Afrania with remains outlined in red. (Source: Duke University/NOAA). Close up of Afrania with remains outlined in red. (Source: Duke University/NOAA).

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