On the morning of the collision, the SS Ville du Havre, a French passenger steamer, was navigating the North Atlantic, carrying a diverse group of passengers, including families and individuals seeking new opportunities in America. The vessel was known for its speed and comfort, making it a popular choice among transatlantic travelers. On this fateful journey, the ship was approximately 220 miles off the coast of Newfoundland when it collided with the Loch Earn, a Scottish iron clipper that was also traveling through the same waters.

The crash occurred under conditions of poor visibility due to thick fog, which prevented both crews from seeing each other until it was too late. The impact of the collision was catastrophic; the Ville du Havre took on water rapidly and sank in a mere 12 minutes. In this short span, panic ensued among passengers and crew as life boats were launched, but the chaos made evacuation extremely difficult. Survivors recounted the harrowing moments that ensued as many were unable to escape.

As rescue efforts began, nearby vessels responded to the distress signals, but the loss was substantial. Of the 243 people onboard the Ville du Havre, only 17 survived, while 226 lost their lives in this maritime disaster. The tragedy profoundly affected the families of the victims, many of whom were awaiting their loved ones’ arrivals in America. It spurred discussions around maritime safety regulations and navigational practices, leading to improved protocols in subsequent years to avoid similar disasters in the future.