HMS Vulcan was a British torpedo boat depot ship launched in 1889, later converted to a submarine tender in 1908-09.
The increasing numbers of torpedo boats which had entered service produced the need for a specialist support ship.
Captain Henry Jackson was appointed in command in December 1899, when she served as a torpedo depot ship on the Mediterranean Station.
On 18 October 1919, she was in harbour at Blyth, Northumberland (NZ319816) for repairs to her main engines and moored a few yards from the Royal Navy submarine HMS H41 when, during the afternoon, she built up a head of steam and began to carry out a slow-speed trial.
In the restricted waters of the dock basin the suction from Vulcan′s propellers drew H41 towards her and, despite the efforts of both crews to keep the two vessels apart, Vulcan′s screws struck the stern of the submarine, cut through her outer casing, and sliced open her pressure hull.