The SS Monroe was a steel-hulled steamship launched on October 18, 1902, and completed on April 3, 1903, by Newport News Shipbuilding in Norfolk, Virginia. As the largest vessel in the Old Dominion Line's fleet at the time, it served primarily in the "Main Line Division" for overnight passenger service between New York and Norfolk, achieving a speed of approximately 16 knots. The vessel measured 366 feet in length overall, with a beam of 46 feet and a depth of 37 feet to the hurricane deck, displacing around 5,375 tons at an 18-foot draft. Its steel hull featured a single bottom and three full decks: shade deck, hurricane deck, main deck, lower deck, and orlop deck, with frames spaced at 26 inches and divided into four watertight compartments. Propelled by a triple-expansion steam engine with cylinders up to 84 inches in diameter, the Monroe was powered by six Scotch boilers with Morison furnaces, coal-fired with a capacity of approximately 247.5 tons. Electrical power was supplied by three 25 kW General Electric generators. The ship's cargo spaces totaled about 217,000 cubic feet, accessible via hatches and side ports, supporting both passenger and cargo transport. Passenger accommodations included 150 first-class, 78 steerage, and 53 deck passengers, with luxurious amenities such as a main salon, a social hall, a first-class dining room seating 114, and segregated facilities for different passenger classes. The vessel also featured several recreational areas, including an observation room with seating, a piano, and a promenade, reflecting its role as a premium overnight service vessel. On January 30, 1914, the SS Monroe was struck by the southbound steamer Nantucket off the Virginia Capes, leading to its rapid sinking within ten to twelve minutes. The collision resulted in 41 fatalities, including crew, passengers, and the wireless operator, who famously sacrificed his life to save others. The sinking highlighted issues with lifeboat deployment and crew preparedness, prompting investigations and license revocations for the Nantucket’s captain. The Monroe's tragic loss marked a significant event in early 20th-century maritime history, emphasizing safety concerns in coastwise passenger and cargo shipping.

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