The SS (RMS) Douglas (III) was a steel-built packet steamer constructed in 1889 by Robert Napier & Co. of Glasgow. She was a single-screw vessel measuring 240 feet in length, with a beam of 30 feet and a depth of 15 feet 2 inches. Her gross register tonnage was 774 GRT. Designed to carry both passengers and cargo, Douglas had accommodations for 506 passengers and a crew of 33. Her design included facilities for carrying mail under contract with the Royal Mail, with designated space for letters, parcels, and valuables, alongside a cargo hold that transported furniture, foodstuffs, and motor vehicles. Initially serving the Southampton route to the Channel Islands, Douglas was acquired by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company in 1901 for £13,500, to fill the gap left by the sinking of Peveril in 1899. Her service was primarily focused on the Irish Sea, including winter routes to and from the Isle of Man. She was notable for her role during World War I, maintaining vital communication links for the island. Douglas experienced several notable incidents during her career. On 7 September 1911, she ran aground in the River Mersey near Crosby Lightship during fog but was refloated and safely arrived in Liverpool. Her most significant accident occurred on 16 August 1923 when, while departing from Brunswick Dock, she collided with the inbound ship Artemisia. The collision caused Douglas to sink, though all aboard were safely evacuated thanks to Artemisia’s crew. The wreck was destroyed nearly four months later. The incident led to protracted legal proceedings, ultimately assigning sole blame to Douglas. Throughout her service, Douglas played an essential role in regional transportation, both as a passenger liner and cargo carrier, and her history reflects the maritime activity and legal complexities of early 20th-century British coastal 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.