Genève was built in 1896 by Sulzer for the Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman (CGN).

Elizabeth was stabbed just before boarding the vessel in Geneva to travel to Montreux.

But her condition was soon seen to be life-threatening, and Genève turned around to return her to the Hôtel Beau-Rivage, where she died shortly afterwards.

The left anchor of Genève became entangled in the rigging of the Rhône, breaking her bowsprit and figurehead, and snapping the top of the foremast.

The next year, she was purchased by an "Association pour le Bateau Genève" for 75 000 CHF, and moored at Eaux-Vives dock.