SS Ellan Vannin (1854) her general exterior being similar to the "Countess of Ellesmere." In fact she was built very much after the model of that vessel, but with the additional requirements to adapt her for sea-going purposes in the challenging conditions around the Isle of Man. Clinker built, "Ellan Vannin" was rigged as a two mast steamer with two white painted funnels and with a full length female figurehead sitting on a rock adorned with a castellated crown. "Ellan Vannin" was well appointed for the carriage of passengers with accommodation for 91 First Class and 195 Second Class. Her after saloon was in
SS Ellan Vannin (1883) Bay, "Ellan Vannin" steamed through them as she made passage to Whitehaven and returned in the evening, the completion of her voyage being heralded by the ships sheltering in the bay sounding their whistles. "Ellan Vannin" became looked upon as a "mascot" of the Steam Packet fleet, and known by Manx sailors as the "Li'l Daisy." On 3 December 1909, "Ellan Vannin" left her home port of Ramsey at 01:13hrs, under the command of her Master, 37 year old Captain James Teare, who had some 18 years of experience working his way through the company to the position of Master.