HMS Bayano, built in 1913, was originally a banana boat for the Elders & Fyffes line.

At the outbreak of the First World War it was commandeered by the Royal Navy on 21 November 1914 as an armed merchant cruiser.

Indicator nets were made from strong thin wires, draped from the surface of the sea and kept buoyant with kapok, small buoys or glass globes.

[4][a] In the North Channel, Bayano had reduced speed to avoid passing the net line in the dark, en route to Liverpool for coaling.

[6] Residents of the Isle of Man were greatly affected by the sinking as a number of bodies were washed up on the island.