BELLONA was built in 1901 by J. Kievits & von Riede & Co. at Papendrecht in Holland with a tonnage of 117grt, a length of 85ft 2in, a beam of 20ft 2in and a service speed of 7 knots.

She was acquired to assist the Lochgair at Port Elizabeth during the Boer War and retained after the hostilities ceased.

In June 1912 she was wrecked near Stony Bay at Cape Hangklip.