The SS Sardinia, a steamship operated by the British-owned Mediterranean Shipping Company, was leaving Malta's Grand Harbour when a catastrophic fire broke out. Eyewitness accounts recount the suddenness of the incident, with flames quickly engulfing parts of the ship, leading to panic among the roughly 350 onboard. The crew attempted to manage the blaze, but the fire spread faster than they could contain it. The captain made the crucial decision to run the vessel aground, aiming to prevent a complete loss at sea. This desperate action provided some measure of safety as it minimized the risk of the ship sinking in deeper waters.

Rescue efforts commenced immediately, with local fishermen and nearby ships responding to the distress signals. Despite their efforts, the fire resulted in significant loss of life, with reports confirming that at least 118 individuals, including many women and children, died. The tragedy highlighted critical issues in maritime safety practices, as inquiries into the incident revealed deficiencies in fire safety measures onboard. These findings prompted calls for reform across the shipping industry.

The aftermath of the disaster saw changes in regulations concerning vessel safety. Maritime authorities began implementing stricter guidelines on fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and crew training. This incident not only exemplified the dangers faced by passengers and crew alike but also marked a turning point in enhancing safety protocols aboard passenger ships, ultimately leading to international conventions focused on maritime safety.