SS Great Eastern in 1858, Isle of Dogs, London, England, before its first launch on January 31, 1858. The Great Eastern, designed in part by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was the largest iron sailing steamship at the time. Note the large paddle visible on the side of the ship. The Great Eastern was the first ship to be equipped with a steering engine. Apart from being memorable for its size and design, the Great Eastern is also notable for laying the first lasting transatlantic telegraph cable (1866).