In the summer of 1907, the SS Columbia, a passenger steamer known for its coastal travels, set sail along California's rugged coastline. On July 21 of that year, traveling in foggy conditions, the Columbia collided with the steam schooner San Pedro off Shelter Cove. Reports indicate that neither ship had sufficient visibility, leading to the tragic mishap. As the steam schooner was relatively smaller, it sustained damage but did not sink, while the Columbia suffered catastrophic damage that led to its rapid sinking within minutes of the collision.

The situation for those on board the Columbia turned dire as waters surged into the vessel. Rescuers and local fishermen attempted to assist but faced significant challenges due to rough seas and the conditions following the crash. Many of the passengers were unable to escape, leading to a noticeable loss of life—88 persons perished in the accident, including crew members and families traveling along the coast.

The aftermath of the sinking prompted inquiries into maritime safety standards and the exploration of navigational protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The collision remains one of the catastrophic maritime events of the early 20th century, drawing attention to the dangers of navigating California's coastal waters, particularly in fog and other challenging weather conditions.