The HMS Eurydice was a British Royal Navy frigate that sank in the Solent, near the Isle of Wight, in March 1878. On the day of the disaster, the ship was conducting a trial run and was caught in a violent squall, which caused it to capsize rapidly. The vessel was heavily laden with over 300 crew members, sailors, and soldiers, all of whom were caught off guard by the powerful winds and sudden changes in weather. Tragically, very few were able to escape the icy waters, leading to an enormous loss of life.

During that period, the British Navy was undergoing various advancements in ship design and armament, and safety protocols were not as stringent as they would later become. The sinking of HMS Eurydice raised significant questions regarding ship stability; it was later revealed that the ship's design had flaws that contributed to its inability to withstand adverse weather conditions. Many of those who perished were young seamen who embodied the spirit of the Royal Navy during a time of expansion and imperial ambition.

The rescue efforts following the sinking were swift but made challenging by the rough sea conditions. Local fishermen and boats from the Isle of Wight participated in the rescue attempts, but only a handful of survivors were ultimately rescued. The tragedy sparked discussions in naval circles about necessary reforms in shipbuilding standards and greater training for crews to handle emergencies at sea. As a result, the disaster served as a critical lesson in maritime safety and naval architecture in future vessel designs.