The Alma A. E. Holmes was a four-masted schooner that was used to transport coal.

On October 10, 1914, the Alma Holmes carried coal from Norfolk, Virginia, intended for Lehigh Coal Yards in Salem, Massachusetts.

While off the coast of Marblehead, Massachusetts, in thick fog, she was hit on the starboard side by the steamer Belfast which smashed straight through the wooden hull of the Holmes.

The Belfast had dug so deep into the hull of the Alma Holmes that the captain decided not to reverse until the crew had disembarked.

After all crew members had been rescued, the Belfast reversed and in one minute's time the Alma Holmes sank.