The White Star Line was a British shipping line. Founded out of the remains of a defunct packet company, it gradually rose up to become one of the most prominent shipping companies in the world, providing passenger and cargo services between the British Empire and the United States. While many other shipping lines focused primarily on speed, White Star branded their services by focusing more on providing comfortable passages for both upper class travellers and immigrants.
The sinking of the Tayleur was the first experienced by the company
Thomas Ismay
Oceanic of 1870, (3,707 GRT)
Adriatic of 1871, (3,888 GRT)
SS Oceanic was the White Star Line's first liner and first member of the Oceanic-class; she was an important turning point in passenger liner design. Entering service in 1871 for Atlantic crossings, she was later chartered to Occidental and Oriental Steamship Company (O&O) in 1875. The ship provided passenger service for O&O in the Pacific until 1895 when she was sold for scrap.
The Oceanic off Queenstown on her second homeward voyage from New York, 12 June 1871, by William Lionel Wyllie, 1895
Builder's model, at the Merseyside Maritime Museum, showing the ship as altered in 1872.
Oceanic at Amoy in 1879
A painting of Oceanic (left) standing by the sinking City of Chester