 On 17 November 1900 , Kaiser Friedrich III was steaming to Kiel after conducting exercises with the fleet . Kaiser Wilhelm II attempted to pass Kaiser Friedrich III , so the latter stopped and allowed the former to pass to port . However , the order to resume steaming was given too quickly , so the ship accidentally rammed Kaiser Wilhelm II . Kaiser Friedrich III suffered minor damage to her bow , while her sister was slightly damaged in the compartment that housed the steering engines . Repairs were completed within three days , without the need for either vessel to enter drydock . 
