On board the Donaldson Atlantic Line passenger cruise ship Letitia (1925) in Messina harbour, Sicily. The photographer is looking forward on the starboard side showing lifeboat number 9 swung out. A sailing brig is berthed stern-on to the quay and is drying sails. On the right and seen from wide off her starboard bow is the general cargo ship Egle (1893). She has a substantial deck cargo and three laden lighters are alongside her. The cathedral is in the centre of the picture and the clock is reading 9.45.