The SS Valencia was a passenger ship operating along the West Coast of North America, primarily serving the route between San Francisco and Seattle. On January 22, the vessel, carrying approximately 169 individuals, encountered a storm while navigating the treacherous waters off the coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Despite the crew's efforts to navigate safely, the ship struck a submerged rock in the vicinity of the rugged coastline, leading to a catastrophic breach in the hull. As waters flooded the ship, chaos erupted among the passengers and crew. Many were thrown into the frigid sea, while others struggled to escape through lifeboats that were either too few or compromised by the churning waves.

The rescue attempts were further complicated by the severe weather conditions, which hindered nearby vessels from reaching the Valencia in time. In the end, only a small number of survivors were rescued, with reports indicating that over 130 lives were lost in the tragedy. The bodies of many victims were never recovered, highlighting the perilous nature of maritime travel during this era. The SS Valencia's grounding became one of the most notable maritime disasters in the early 20th century, drawing attention to the dangers faced by passenger steamers navigating the rugged coasts of North America.

In the aftermath, various inquiries took place to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disaster. The incident prompted discussions about maritime safety regulations, leading to changes aimed at improving ship designs and safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future. In particular, the importance of lifeboats and emergency preparedness became a focal point for maritime authorities, significantly shaping safety standards in the shipping industry.