Charles Mitchell of Low Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne built her as yard number 354, and launched her on 19 January 1878 as the merchant ship Mariotis for the Moss Steam Ship Company of Liverpool.

On 31 August 1880 the Tyne is shown delivering personnel to HMS London in Zanzibar.

[5] In early January 1903 she was back in the Mediterranean, and took part in a three-weeks cruise with other ships of the station in the Greek islands around Corfu.

[6] In February 1913, Tyne was serving as one of two depot ships for the 8th Patrol Flotilla, based on the Nore, which was equipped with 23 torpedo boats,[7][8] and remained as depot ship to the 8th Flotilla in July 1914.

[9] On 16 November 1920 Tyne sprang a leak and sank in the River Medway at Chatham, Kent, while awaiting sale.