Empire Atoll was built by Ardrossan Dockyard Ltd, Ardrossan as yard number 385. She was powered by two 7 cylinder diesel engines. She was built to the order of Coast Line Ltd and was the only refrigerated coaster built in wartime in the UK. She was launched on 12 July 1941[1] and completed in January 1942. She was built for Coast Lines Ltd[1] but was requisitioned by the MoWT, operating under the management of Coast Lines. Her port of registry was Liverpool.
Empire Atoll was a member of a number of convoys during the Second World War.
In 1946, Empire Atoll reverted to Coast Lines and was renamed Hadrian Coast. She was sold to E Davidou & others, Greece in 1967 and renamed Elda.[1] Her port of registry was changed to Piraeus.[3] On 10 January 1970, Elda dragged her anchors and grounded near Mehidia, Morocco after developing engine trouble and a leak on a voyage between Ravenna, Italy and Kenitra, Morocco. She was a total loss.[1]
Official Numbers were a forerunner to IMO Numbers.
Empire Atoll had the UK Official Number 168807 and used the Code Letters BOSZ.[4]