After being viewed acting suspiciously, the Ophelia was boarded on 17 October 1914 and seized by the Royal Navy for violating Hague Convention X of 1907 concerning hospital ships.

On 17 October 1914 a number of German torpedo boats were destroyed during the Battle off Texel by the British cruiser, HMS Undaunted, while laying naval mines off Haak lightship.

[5] When the Ophelia noticed the submarine she began to flee the area, further raising suspicions as her supposed task of searching for German survivors was not completed.

[2] As it approached for boarding and inspection it was observed that her commander, Dr. Pfeiffer, threw overboard a number of documents and secret codes.

— German Admiral Scheer[10]The British renamed the ship SS Huntley and used her for transporting fuel from Portishead to Boulogne.