SS Eider was a 4,179 ton German ocean liner built for Norddeutscher Lloyd in 1884 by John Elder & Co. of Glasgow as the fourth ship in the Rivers class.

The tugs did reach Eider, but a gale had arisen that made it impossible for them to get close enough in case they struck the rocks as well.

The Brighstone lifeboat, Worcester Cadet, arrived first and carried a dozen women and children to Atherfield beach.

The Brook lifeboat, William Slaney Lewis, reached Eider five hours after being launched and rescued another load of women and children.

On Tuesday the gale reached storm force and the lifeboats evacuated the crew and bullion from the now badly holed and sinking vessel.