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Just returned from the Battle of Jutland she was directed to carry Lord Kitchener from Scapa Flow on a diplomatic mission to Russia. Sailing for Archangel in a gale she struck a mine at around 19.40 on June 5 1916 off Mainland, Orkney between Brough of Birsay and Marwick Head . The ship sank very rapidly. Kitchener, his staff and most of the crew perished, only twelve men survived. The mine is believed to have been one of those laid by the submarine U-75 on May 23.
The wreck was declared a war grave. She lies in around 65 metres of water at Lat. 59° 7.03' and Long. 3° 23.76'. In 1983 one propeller and part of a drive shaft were illegally salvaged. The prop was later given to Lyness museum, Orkney after protests.