"Storstad"s crew reported that the masthead lights of "Empress of Ireland" were first seen on the port bow about 6 or 7 nmi away; the lights were at that time open to starboard. A few minutes later, the green side light of "Empress of Ireland" was seen apparently from 3 to 5 miles away. The green light remained for an interval, and then "Empress of Ireland" was seen to make a change in her course. Her masthead lights came into a (vertical) line, and she showed both the green and the red side lights. She then continued to swing to starboard, shutting out the green and showing only the red light. This light was observed for a few minutes before being obscured by the fog. At this moment, "Empress of Ireland" was about two miles away and "Storstad"s Chief Officer, Mr. Toftenes, assumed that it was "Empress of Ireland"s intention to pass him port to port (red to red), which the ships would do with ample room if their relative positions were maintained. After an exchange of whistle blasts with "Empress of Ireland", "Storstad" was slowed and Captain Andersen (who was asleep in his cabin at the time) was called to the bridge. When he arrived, Andersen saw a masthead light moving quickly across "Storstad"s course from port to starboard whereupon he ordered the engines full speed astern. Immediately after Andersen saw the masthead light, he saw the green light, and a few moments later saw "Empress of Ireland" and the ships then collided.