Swatow I

Sister ship of Foochow I

History
Built as the "William Batters" for the Batters line, T.S.Begbie, managers.

John Henry Scott, an employee of John Swire in China, informed John Swire that his elder brother, John Scott (IV) a shipbuilder in Greenock, had unexpectedly had two ships left on his hands which would probably meet John Swire's requirement for new tonnage. John Scott (IV) and John Swire formed a partnerships to operate the ships which became the Coast Boats Ownery. The two vessels were renamed the Foochow I and Swatow I.

The Swatow I and Foochow I were later incorporated into the China Navigation Co. in 1884.

This was the start of a remarkable partnership, in various forms between the two companies, which resulted in Scott's building 98 ships for the China Navigation Co. Descendants of the Scott's are still active today in the management of the China Navigation Co., being a large shareholder.

'''January 6th. 1883. The Foochow I''' was thrown on her beam ends in a gale and a strong tide. The vessel was "righted" a few hours later.

'''February 22nd. 1888.''' During a voyage from Swatow to Shanghai, struck Half Tide Reef near Namoi Island and sank.