Santa Kyriaki was a 2,958 GRT cargo ship that was built in 1945 as Empire Crusoe by Ailsa Shipbuilding Co, Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland for the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT).

She was operated under the management of Ramon de la Sota, France,[1] remaining under the Liberian flag.

[5] In 1963, Maria Luisa was sold to Nereide Compagnia Maritime SA, Panama and renamed Santa Kyriaki.

[7] On 30 December, the contract for the salvage of the ship was awarded to NV Bureau Wijsmuller under Lloyds Open Form conditions.

Over 70,000 cubic yards (54,000 m3) of sand was excavated to form a basin which enabled Santa Kyriaki to be turned through 60°.