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 (1883) During the summer of 1909 Teare was in command of the "King Orry" and had only joined the "Ellan Vannin" the day before her ill-fated voyage. Captain Teare was married with four children. "Ellan Vannin" was carrying 15 passengers and 21 crew as well as mail and 60 tonnes of cargo which included approximately 60 sheep. The weather on departure was moderate and although the barometric pressure was falling the captain did not expect a significant deterioration in the weather. The wind direction on departure was from the northwest meaning the "Ellan Vannin" would have a following sea during her