ICGV Þór (1926)

ICGV Þór was the first patrol ship of the Icelandic Coast Guard. It was named after the nordic mythology god Þór. She was built by Edwards Brothers at North Shields, England in 1899 as a steam trawler for Danish-Icelandic trade and fishing association in Geirseyri and later served as a research ship for Denmark.[1] In 1920, Björgunarfélag Vestmannaeyja bought the ship for use in fishing control and rescue work.[2] After paying for its operational cost for several years, the Icelandic government decided to buy the ship in 1926. With its purchase, the Icelandic Coast Guard was de facto established.[3] In the early years, the ship was armed with two 57 mm cannons, which were later replaced by one 47 mm cannon. Þór ran aground at Húnaflói during a storm on 21 December 1929.[4] As a result, it was decided to buy a new patrol vessel in its place.[5]

Þór while in Danish service
History
Iceland
Name	Þór
Operator	Björgunarfélag Vestmannaeyja
Builder	Edwards Brothers, North Shields, England
Launched	1899
Acquired	1920
In service	1920–1926
Fate	Sold to the Icelandic Government on 1 July 1926
Iceland
Name	ICGV Þór
Operator	Icelandic Coast Guard
Acquired	1 July 1926
In service	1926–1929
Fate	Wrecked in Húnaflói during a storm on 21 December 1929
General characteristics
Type	Steam trawler
Tonnage	190 BT / 71 NT
Length	115.3 ft (35.1 m)
Beam	21.3 ft (6.5 m)
Draught	11 ft (3.4 m)
Decks	1
Propulsion	325 hp (242 kW) triple expansion steam engine, G.T. Grey, South Shields, 1 x screw
Notes	Rigged as trawler