The Pommerania left New York on the 14th November carrying passengers and U.S. Mail, on November 25th 1878 at about midnight off Dover she was struck amidships by the iron barque Moel Eilian of 1,100 tons. The Pommerania quickly filled with water and keel over.

Four of her lifeboats had been smashed in the collision leaving just five boats which were lowered; one was so overloaded it capsized, drowning many of its occupants. The Pommerania sank in less than thirty minutes taking its captain and 48 others with it. The Moel Eilian was badly damaged and taking on water she was eventually brought into Dover Harbour for repairs.