SS Tempest was the first ship of the Anchor Line belonging to Scottish brothers Nicol and Robert Handyside and Captain Thomas Henderson.

The Anchor Line decided to begin transatlantic service between Glasgow and New York City with Tempest.

She was converted to a screw steamship with the fitting, by Randolf and Elder, of 150 horsepower (110 kW) engines in 1856.

Her second journey departed Glasgow 27 December, mastered by Capt James Morris, with cargo and 50 passengers.

[6][7] Two other ships of the Anchor Line disappeared at sea; United Kingdom in 1869 and Ismailia in 1873.