On October 2, 1942, during World War II, an unfortunate maritime accident occurred when the ocean liner RMS Queen Mary accidentally collided with the British destroyer HMS Curacoa. The Queen Mary was part of a convoy traveling through the North Atlantic, a route that was perilous due to the presence of German U-boats. In an effort to increase their speed and reduce exposure to potential submarine attacks, the Queen Mary was operating at high speed when the incident took place.

As the Queen Mary maneuvered through the waters, it suddenly struck HMS Curacoa, which had been tasked with escorting the liner but was then positioned dangerously close. The impact was catastrophic for the smaller vessel, resulting in her sinking within minutes. The crew aboard Curacoa had no time to prepare as the collision resulted in a significant loss of life; over 300 of her crew members perished in the icy waters of the Atlantic, leaving behind only a small number of survivors who managed to escape.

The incident sparked considerable controversy and grief within the Royal Navy and the families of those lost. Investigations were conducted to ascertain the circumstances leading up to the collision, but it ultimately highlighted the perils of maritime operations during wartime. The loss of the Curacoa was a notable setback, especially given the ongoing hostilities and the U-boats' persistent threats, underscoring the vulnerability of naval operations in a time of conflict.