PENGUIN was built in 1899 by Cox & Co. at Falmouth with a tonnage of 123grt, a length of 90ft 2in, a beam of 19ft 4in and a service speed of 9 knots.

She was built as a tender and tug for service at East London. Transferring to the merged Union-Castle Line in 1900 she remained until 1924 when she was sold to the African Wharfage Co. of Mombasa and renamed Nyati.

She was broken up locally during 1928.