The RMS Tayleur was a clipper ship launched in 1853, designed to transport passengers and cargo between Liverpool and Australia. On her maiden voyage, she set out from Liverpool on January 18, 1854, carrying around 650 people, which included a mix of immigrants, crew members, and passengers seeking new opportunities in Australia. The ship was considered one of the fastest of her time, but on January 21, she encountered severe weather conditions, including strong winds and rough seas, near Lambay Island off the coast of Ireland. This weather worsened rapidly, leading to panic and chaos aboard as the vessel struggled against the waves. Despite the crew's efforts to navigate the storm, the Tayleur capsized. Many passengers were trapped below deck, unable to escape as the ship rolled over. Lifeboats were deployed, but in the tumult, many were lost, and only a fraction of those aboard were rescued. Reports from survivors spoke of horrifying scenes in the freezing water and the desperate struggle for survival. The official death toll was reported to be around 380, but estimates vary, reflecting the uncertainty of the grim disaster. Among the survivors, many faced the trauma of loss while being rescued by nearby ships. This tragedy drew significant public attention and led to increased scrutiny of maritime safety regulations, particularly pertaining to passenger vessels. The tragedy of the Tayleur underscored the dangers inherent in sea travel, especially for large vessels carrying human cargo. In the wake of the disaster, changes began to be instated in ship safety protocols, a reflection of the lessons learned from this maritime catastrophe.