 Increased tensions between the Ottomans and Greece led to a blockade of Greece by the Great Powers to try to reduce the possibility of a conflict.The German chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, ordered "Loreley" to take the ambassador to Sultan Abdul Hamid II to convey German support; "Loreley" was to act as a hospital ship for Ottoman officers in the event of a conflict.The crisis abated following the intervention of the Great Powers, and "Loreley" instead went to La Valletta for another overhaul at the end of the year that lasted until 20 April 1887.