On January 27, 1904, the Russian cruiser Varyag and another boat became blockaded by a Japanese squadron of 15 vessels at the Korean port of Chemulpo.  The boats were given the opportunity to surrender to the Japanese, but instead the Russian seamen decided to reject the offer and engage in an uneven battle. 

Both the boats suffered extensive damage, with no possibility of continuing their resistance the Russians scuttled the boats and returned to Russia on foreign vessels.

The Japanese raised the Varyag in 1905 and introduced the ship into their navy under the new name Soya. In 1910, the ship was repurchased by the Russians and was given back its previous name. The Varyag was sent to Britain to be repaired in 1917 but because of the Revolution and Civil War in Russia, the ship was set adrift.

Then in 1920 the ship was sold by Briain for scrap, while being towed on route for dismantling the ship ran aground near Lendalfoot and sank.