Haapalah / Aliyah Bet

haMaapil haAlmoni המעפיל האלמוני was formerly the Swedish coastal steamer Runeberg
Registered name: San Miguel Runeberg Elena
Nickname: Herut
Built: 1876
Gross tonnage: 472 tons
San Miguel was renamed In memory of all the anonymous dead, and refered specifically to Herbert Lazar, whose obituary, published prior to the learning his name, he was referred to as haMaapil haAlmoni המעפיל האלמוני The unknown illegal immigrant.

San Miguel was acquired in Sweden Sverige, where she had operated as a coastal passenger steamer.

On December 31, 1946 haMaapil haAlmoni המעפיל האלמוני sailed from Sweden Sverige to Marseille with no Maapilim aboard.
Yossele Dror served as Palyam Commander aboard haMaapil haAlmoni המעפיל האלמוני.
Reuven Oren served as Gidoni גדעוני, wireless radio operator aboard haMaapil haAlmoni המעפיל האלמוני.

On February 3, 1947, San Miguel sailed from Sète, carrying 807 passengers.
After she set sail, she was renamed haMaapil haAlmoniהמעפיל האלמוני, after Herbert Lazar, and all the unnamed Maapilim who had died.

On February 16, 1947, haMaapil haAlmoni המעפיל האלמוני was detected by the RAF and intercepted by HMS Welfare, and HMS St. Austell Bay.
The British claimed that they attempted to dissuade her from attempting to land her passengers.
Once within the 3 mile limit, south west of Yafo יפו, the British ships closed in.
HMS Welfare used her hoses on the passengers, while HMS St. Austell Bay sent a boarding party.
Despite with heavy resistance from the passengers, haMaapil haAlmoni המעפיל האלמוני was captured.

On February 17, 1947, haMaapil haAlmoni המעפיל האלמוני was towed in to port by HMS Welfare.
The passengers were transferred to HMT Empire Rival for transport to Famagusta.