The Aida was built in France and launched in 1911. Originally ordered for the Egyptian Ports and Lighthouses Administration, she was later transferred to Egyptian Marina and used to ferry troops. In Oct 1941 she was attacked by German aircraft and despite not being hit, her Captain beached her thinking that she was sinking! The Aïda was refloated and repaired and continued in service until 1957 when she was eventually lost during a military personnel exchange on Big Brothers Island in heavy storms.