The SS Rowan was a British passenger steamer operated by the Laird Line, notable for its tragic sinking off the coast of Scotland in 1921. Although specific technical specifications such as size, tonnage, and construction details are not provided in the available source, the vessel's final voyage and sinking are well documented. Built as a passenger steamer, the Rowan was engaged in routine service between Clydebank and Derry, Ireland. On the night of October 8, 1921, it departed Clydebank early in the afternoon, with a particular arrangement to pick up members of the Southern Syncopated Orchestra, a jazz band performing in Glasgow. The vessel was navigating southward along the Scottish coast in dense fog when the accident occurred. At approximately 12:15 AM, the Rowan was rammed in the stern by the American steamer West Camak, which was heading north in the North Channel. The collision was severe, and shortly after, the Clan Malcolm, another British steamer, arrived to assist. The Clan Malcolm rammed the Rowan from starboard, cutting her in two, which caused her to sink within approximately two minutes. The rapid sinking resulted in the loss of 22 lives, including eight members of the jazz band, out of the 97 people on board. Rescue efforts were swift, with survivors being rescued by the Clan Malcolm, the West Camak, and the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Wrestler. The sinking of the SS Rowan remains a significant maritime incident in early 20th-century UK maritime history, illustrating the dangers of navigation in foggy conditions and the perils faced by passenger vessels of that era.

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