FACTS ABOUT ELDER DEMPSTER SHIPPING LINE:

In the Second World War the company lost a number of ships to enemy action, including Apapa in 1940 (seenin this photo at the Lagos Port) and Abosso in 1942. After the war a new Accra and Apapa were launched in 1947 and 1948, followed by a new flagship, Aureol (14,083 GRT) in 1951, for the company's services to Ghana and Nigeria.

When the Nigerian National Shipping Line was formed in 1957, Elder Dempster took a 33% stake, selling in 1961 to the Nigerian government.