SAS Somerset, originally named HMS Barcross, was a Bar-class boom defence vessel of the South African Navy.

In 1943, she was re-designated as HMSAS Barcross when she was transferred to the South African Naval Forces for the remainder of World War II.

[citation needed] In 1946, the Government of South Africa purchased Barcross and used it for the dumping of ammunition off Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

In 1969, Somerset raised the old whale catcher, Wagter 11, in Saldanha Bay and subsequently towed her back to Simon's Town.

In the early hours of 24 July 1974, Somerset was dispatched to Cape Agulhas to assist with the salvage of the Oriental Pioneer, but poor weather conditions and bad luck rendered this effort unsuccessful.

In 1981, Somerset raised the fishing trawler Aldebaran, which had lain on the harbour bottom at Port Elizabeth for over two-and-a-half years.