The SS Northeastern Victory was a cargo ship built during World War II, under the Emergency Shipbuilding program.

The American-Hawaiian Steamship Company operated her under the United States Merchant Marine act for the War Shipping Administration.

In 1946, after the conclusion of the war, Northeastern Victory was carrying supplies to U.S. troops deployed in Europe, to be delivered to Antwerp, Rotterdam and Bremen.

The South Foreland Lighthouse reportedly sent out warning shots prior to the accident, however, was unable to affect the direction or speed of the ship.

The first rescue team was Risdon Beazley Ltd of Southampton under Commander J. MacPhee, Salvage Officer Lloyds Agents at Dover, they were able to recover 1288 tons of the lead.