Black Swan-class Modified Sloop
Built by Alexander Stephens and Sons of Linthouse, Govan Scotland on 25 March 1942, launched on 7 May 1943 and commissioned on 2 November 1943. During World War II she was deployed on anti-submarine patrols and escort duties. She depth charged and sank the U-boat U-1276 on the 20 February 1945. In 1947, she was modified and reclassified as a frigate, her pennant number changing from U16 to F116. While transiting the Yangtse River in China between Shanghai and Nanking on the morning of the 20 April 1949, she came under heavy fire from the People's Liberation Army field batteries stationed on the north bank. The shells fell short of the ship, which increased speed and displayed Union Flags along her side and the firing ceased. An hour later a second battery along the river opened fire and hit the wheelhouse causing the ship to run aground at Rose Island where it was subjected to further bombardment. The Commanding Officer had been killed along with 22 of the ship's company. She was re-floated on the 22 April and moved out of range of the artillery guns. Three other Royal Navy warships were involved at various stages of the incident and all sustained damage and loss of life. On the 26 April, now under the command of the British Naval Attaché, she was moved further up river where she remained for the next ten weeks. Until on the night of 30 July when she slipped her anchor and headed down river, shadowing a Chinese passenger ship, which was sunk by shore side fire as they made their exit. HMS Amethyst arrived back in Hong Kong on the 30 August, returning to the UK for a refit during 1950, before returning to the Far East for the next two years. She was paid off in 1952 at Plymouth. Sold Jan. 18, 1957 to Demmelweek & Redding, Plymouth, England and scrapped.