SS Tropic was a steamship operated by the White Star Line.

She and her sister SS Asiatic were bought by the White Star Line before their construction was finished.

[2] In February 1873, a lifeboat was found from the sinking barque James W. Elwell with three survivors.

James W. Elwell was sailing from Liverpool to Valparaíso when she caught fire and blew up ten weeks prior.

Along with her sister, she was sold, because the company was having financial difficulties after the loss of SS Atlantic.