The SS Mona (1878) was a significant packet steamer operated by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, notable for being the company's first screw-driven vessel. Built by William Laird & Co. in Birkenhead, she was launched on 31 May 1878. The ship measured 200 feet in length, with a beam of 26 feet and a depth of 13 feet. Originally, her tonnage was recorded at 526 gross registered tons (GRT), which was later increased to 562 GRT. The vessel was constructed at a cost of £19,500. Mona was powered by vertical compound steam engines driven by a single screw propeller, making her the first vessel in the fleet to utilize this propulsion system. She had a nominal horsepower of 160 HP, which allowed her to reach speeds of approximately 13 knots. Designed as a passenger-cargo steamer, Mona played an important role in the transition of the company’s fleet from paddle steamers to more economical screw propulsion, especially suited for winter service. Her operational history included a notable collision on 21 December 1878, shortly after her commissioning. While in Liverpool, Mona was struck severely by the steam barge Mersey, resulting in significant damage. In a tragic incident on 23 August 1883, while anchored in the approaches to Liverpool in the Formby Channel, Mona was involved in a collision with the Spanish steamer Rita. The impact caused Mona to sink almost immediately. Her crew, along with two women passengers, evacuated into lifeboats and were rescued—some by the Formby Lightship. The Rita, although damaged, was able to return to port. Despite her relatively short service life, Mona’s introduction marked a significant technological advancement for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, demonstrating the efficiency and reliability of screw propulsion over paddle steamers and contributing to maritime innovations of the period.

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