In 1941 the Finnish deep-sea square-rigger Pamir was seized in Wellington as a ‘prize of war’. The crew were detained, but allowed to work ashore. From 1942 to 1948 the Pamir, based in Wellington, was used as a trade vessel between NZ and USA, and as a training vessel. In 1948 she was returned to Finland. Before leaving New Zealand the British ensign was lowered and replaced with the Finnish colours.