The SS Cameronia was a notable passenger steamship built in 1911 by D. and W. Henderson and Company in Glasgow for the Glasgow-based Anchor Line. Designed with twin propellers and powered by triple-expansion engines, the vessel was rated at approximately 15,600 indicated horsepower (11,600 kW), enabling it to serve transatlantic routes efficiently. The ship's design and power capabilities made it a prominent vessel in early 20th-century passenger shipping. Cameronia's maiden voyage commenced on 13 September 1911, operating between Glasgow, Moville, and New York City, establishing itself as a key player in transatlantic passenger transportation. In February 1915, the vessel participated in a joint service operated by Anchor Line and Cunard, running between Glasgow, Liverpool, and New York, further solidifying its role in facilitating transatlantic travel during that period. During World War I, the Cameronia was pressed into service as a British troopship. A notable incident occurred on 21 June 1915 when, while approaching the port of Liverpool, the ship was attacked by a German U-boat. Captain Kinnaird attempted to ram the submarine, forcing it to dive and breaking off the attack. Despite this close call, the vessel continued its service until April 1917, when it was torpedoed by U-33 while en route from Marseille to Alexandria. At the time, Cameronia was carrying approximately 2,650 soldiers. The attack resulted in the sinking of the ship within 40 minutes approximately 150 miles east of Malta, with a loss of around 210 lives, though other sources suggest the casualties might have been closer to 140. Most crew members and soldiers were rescued by escorting destroyers HMS Nemesis and HMS Rifleman, with survivors able to take to lifeboats if they had enough time. The sinking of SS Cameronia remains a significant event, highlighted by firsthand accounts such as that of Scottish nautical writer David W. Bone, reflecting the dangers faced by civilian and military mariners during wartime.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.