SS Ellan Vannin (1854) "Ellan Vannin" proceeded across to the new pier where she was opened to the general public. The "Ben-my-Chree", which was returning to Douglas following a pleasure cruise around the Island passed close by and greeted the "Ellan Vannin" by firing two guns. The "Ellan Vannin" entered service under the command of Captain Joseph Skillicorn, an experienced mariner who prior to his appointment had been in the employ of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company serving on the "Mona's Queen with the rank of First Officer. Mainly the "Ellan Vannin" would ply between Castletown, Isle of Man and Whitehaven, Cumberland
SS Ellan Vannin (1854) as agents for the Sardinian Government for £4,070. (equivalent to £ in ) Upon purchase "Ellan Vannin's" name was changed to "Archimedes". The Castletown Steam Navigation Company subsequently went into liquidation. A further call on the shareholders of 10 shillings per share was made in order to finally clear the liabilities incurred by the "Ellan Vannin" for final claims of £600 (equivalent to £ in ). On the night of Tuesday 2 September 1856, whilst under the command of Capt. Skillicorn, the "Ellan Vannin" was involved in an incident in Douglas Bay with a small fishing boat which resulted in