SS Celtic was an ocean liner built for the White Star Line by shipbuilders Harland and Wolff of Belfast.

[1][2] Celtic was one of six liners built for White Star to allow the line to operate a mail service across the Atlantic.

[4] On 18 January 1873, Celtic struck floating wreckage in the Atlantic Ocean and lost her propeller blades.

In early 1879, Celtic's propeller became detached from the driveshaft while at sea, and the ship made its way to Queenstown (now Cobh) in Ireland by sail.

[4] On 19 May 1887, at about 5:25 in the afternoon, the Celtic (commanded by Captain Peter John Irving) collided with the White Star liner Britannic in thick fog about 350 miles (560 km) east of Sandy Hook, New Jersey.

The two ships collided at almost right angles, with the Celtic burying her prow 10 feet (3 m) in the aft port side of Britannic.

Britannic's captain, pistol in hand, was able to restore some semblance of order, and the boats were filled with women and children, although a few men forced their way on board.