The SS Mohegan, a passenger steamship operated by the London and South Western Railway, sank near the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, after striking the treacherous Mermaid Rock. On the night of the disaster, heavy fog obscured visibility, which played a critical role in the ship's fatal navigation error. Out of the 197 individuals on board, 106 lives were tragically lost, including crew members and passengers alike. The Mohegan was en route from Plymouth to America and had been known for its reliable service, making the catastrophe all the more shocking.

As the ship hit the rock, its hull was severely damaged, and it quickly began to take on water. The crew attempted to send distress signals and launch lifeboats. However, the confusion and panic that ensued hampered rescue efforts significantly. Despite nearby vessels responding to the distress calls, harsh sea conditions and the fog made it difficult to approach the scene effectively. Survivors described harrowing experiences of rescue and loss, with heroic efforts by some crew members noted as they attempted to save lives amidst the chaos.

Survivors shared their harrowing stories, some being pulled from the icy waters by neighboring boats. The tragedy spurred widespread public interest and highlighted the perils of maritime travel during poor weather conditions. In the aftermath, inquiries were launched into maritime safety regulations to prevent similar disasters from occurring in the future.