The SS Magnetic was a passenger tender built in 1891 by Harland and Wolff at their Belfast shipyard. Launched on 28 March 1891 and delivered to the White Star Line on 6 June 1891, the vessel was primarily designed to transport passengers to White Star's ocean liners at the Port of Liverpool. Constructed with the typical robust features of the period, Magnetic served as a versatile vessel, fulfilling roles beyond passenger tendering, including water carrier, tow boat, tug, and Mersey cruise boat. Throughout her service with White Star, Magnetic was a notable presence, including participation in significant maritime events such as the 1897 Spithead Review, where she acted as a tender to the flagship Teutonic. In 1912, she underwent a major overhaul, including reboilering, which included a brief period of sea trials during which she was photographed alongside her sister ships RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic, a testament to her prominence within the White Star fleet. Magnetic's operational history included several notable incidents. On 17 February 1915, she collided with the schooner Kate in the Crosby Channel, resulting in the sinking of Kate and the loss of three crew members. Later, on 3 October 1925, she experienced a fire onboard, which led to her being beached and subsequently repaired in Liverpool. In December 1932, White Star Line sold the vessel to the Alexandra Towing Company, who renamed her Ryde. She continued her duties as an excursion steamer, notably participating in the opening of No.2 Stanlow Oil Dock in 1933 and operating out of Llandudno from 1934. Her maritime career concluded when she was sold for scrap on 20 October 1935 and dismantled at Port Glasgow. The SS Magnetic's service history reflects her adaptability and importance in regional maritime activities during her 44-year career.

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