The S.S. Great Eastern was a pioneering steamship designed by the famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Launched in 1858, it was one of the largest ships of its time, measuring 692 feet in length. The vessel was notable for its innovative design, featuring a double hull and the ability to carry both passengers and cargo across the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its impressive size and technology, the S.S. Great Eastern faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and operational issues. It completed only a few voyages before being repurposed as a cable-laying ship, contributing to the laying of the first transatlantic telegraph cable.