Rohilla was launched in 1906 for the British India Steam Navigation Company.
She was pressed into war service in 1914 as HMHS Rohilla (His Majesties Hospital Ship).
Whilst sailing from the Firth of Forth to Dunkerque to evacuate wounded soldiers, she ran aground on Saltwick Nab reef, which is just south of Whitby Harbour.
Despite being only a short distance from the shore, high seas and gale force winds prevented a successful rescue from the beach, although the Whitby RNLI contingent did try one by hauling their boat over an 8 feet (2.4 m) wall, then lowering it down the 200-foot (61 m) cliff before launching from the beach opposite the wreck.

In all, six lifeboats were launched to try and rescue the 229 people on board over the course of three days.
During the grounding of the vessel, she broke her back and several attempts were made to safely remove those onboard.
In all, 83 people died in the sinking.
Of the six lifeboats launched, only two were motorboats, and because of the perilous waves, only the motorboats could get close enough to rescue survivors.
This prompted lifeboat crews to demand motorised rescue vessels and spelt the end for the traditional rowing boat.
Rohilla was launched in 1906 for the British India Steam Navigation Company. She was pressed into war service in 1914 as HMHS Rohilla (His Majesties Hospital Ship). Whilst sailing from the Firth of Forth to Dunkerque to evacuate wounded soldiers, she ran aground on Saltwick Nab reef, which is just south of Whitby Harbour. Despite being only a short distance from the shore, high seas and gale force winds prevented a successful rescue from the beach, although the Whitby RNLI contingent did try one by hauling their boat over an 8 feet (2.4 m) wall, then lowering it down the 200-foot (61 m) cliff before launching from the beach opposite the wreck.
In all, six lifeboats were launched to try and rescue the 229 people on board over the course of three days. During the grounding of the vessel, she broke her back and several attempts were made to safely remove those onboard. In all, 83 people died in the sinking. Of the six lifeboats launched, only two were motorboats, and because of the perilous waves, only the motorboats could get close enough to rescue survivors. This prompted lifeboat crews to demand motorised rescue vessels and spelt the end for the traditional rowing boat.
Whitby Lifeboat Station