SS Heim was originally built as the SS Romanby by W Gray & Co, West Hartlepool in 1882. She was 260ft x 32ft x 20ft, fitted with a 2-cylinder compound engine. She was sold to T.H. Skogland of Norway in 1899 and renamed SS Heim.

On 18th April 1917 this ex British Cargo Steamer of 1700tons was on a voyage from Hull to Rouen with a cargo of coal when she struck a mine laid by UC-71, She sank North of Dieppe in 25mtrs of water with the loss of 2 lives.