The East Indiaman Arniston was launched in 1794 and served the British East India Company. While making its return journey from the East Indies in 1815, the ship encountered treacherous conditions near Cape Agulhas, known for its hazardous waters and storms. On the fateful night, strong winds and heavy seas overwhelmed the crew, leading to a catastrophic shipwreck. The ship was thrown against the rocky coast at Waenhuiskrans, breaking apart rapidly as the tempest raged on.

Out of the 400 individuals on board, only 28 survived to tell the tale, highlighting the perils faced by seafarers during this era. Many of the lives lost included sailors and passengers, with the majority being British nationals traveling back from trade ventures in the East Indies. Despite immediate rescue efforts from local fishermen who witnessed the disaster, the loss of life was substantial.

The wreck of the Arniston not only served as a grim reminder of the dangers of maritime travel at the time but also illuminated the need for improved navigational aids and better weather forecasting technologies, paving the way for changes in maritime safety standards in subsequent years.