The SS (RMS) Snaefell was an iron paddle steamer built in 1863 by Caird & Co. of Greenock for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, marking the first vessel to bear the name within the company's fleet. She was designed as a fast and efficient passenger vessel, measuring 236 feet in length, with a beam of 26 feet and a depth of 14 feet. Her gross registered tonnage was 700 GRT. The vessel was powered by two-cylinder oscillating engines, which delivered a nominal horsepower of 240 and an indicated horsepower of approximately 1,300, contributing to her notable service speed of around 15 knots, and a reported maximum speed of about 17 knots, enabling her to reduce the crossing time from Douglas to Liverpool to approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes. Constructed at a cost of £22,000, Snaefell was regarded as a swift vessel for her era. She underwent a reboilering in 1869 at a cost of £3,500, which likely enhanced her performance and reliability. Her service was marked by a vigorous but occasionally troubled career. In September 1863, she was involved in a collision with the Mersey Flat Mary Agnes at Liverpool, resulting in the vessel sinking and the loss of two lives; survivors were rescued by HMS Warrior. In October 1864, she collided with the steamship Hibernia, sustaining severe damage and flooding at the bows, which led her to return to Liverpool for repairs. Her career included a grounding incident at Liverpool in June 1871, after which her captain, Corlett, resigned amid controversy. Despite some efforts to retain him, he was replaced by Captain Thomas Lewis. After 12 years of service, Snaefell was sold in 1875 for £15,500 to the Royal Netherlands Steamship Company, where she was renamed Stad Breda and operated between Sheerness and Flushing. She continued her service until 1888, when she was sold for scrapping. The Snaefell's career reflects her importance as a fast, iron-hulled paddle steamer that contributed to maritime passenger service in the mid-19th century.

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