On Wednesday 26 August 1908, RMS "Etruria" was moving astern from her pier in Liverpool to anchor opposite the Princes' Landing Stage, where her passengers would embark. A hopper crossing the Mersey came too close to "Etruria" and was violently rammed by her. "Etruria"s rudder and propeller were thrust deep into the hopper, almost severing it in two. However, being impaled on "Etruria"s propeller prevented the hopper from sinking. Both vessels drifted helplessly in the Mersey, and the hopper was violently crushed against the landing stage. This not only spelt the end for the hopper, but finished the career of "Etruria" as well. Her propeller, rudder and steering gear were seriously damaged, forcing the cancellation of her sailing to New York. "Etruria"s passengers were put up in hotels and then caught "Umbria" later in the week. "Etruria" was taken into dock, where temporary repairs were made.