 On 9 May, the New York City police department received a letter that explained that a bomb had been loaded aboard "Umbria" The letter went on to say that the bomb had been intended for the White Star Line's , but that the bombers had changed their minds because there were a large number of women and children aboard that ship.At noon that day "Umbria" was still at her berth and she was due to sail.Immediately the police sealed off the pier head and told the captain to delay the sailing.