On July 4, 1898, the SS La Bourgogne, a French ocean liner, was on its voyage from New York to Le Havre when it encountered the British ship Cromartyshire. Both vessels, navigating in dense fog, failed to see each other until it was too late. The collision occurred off the coast of Sable Island, a notorious area known for its dangerous waters. Almost immediately after the collision, La Bourgogne began taking on water and capsized within a short timeframe. Rescue efforts were hampered by the conditions, leading to a tragic loss of life.

The ship was carrying over 800 passengers and crew, and the disaster quickly became a focal point for maritime safety discussions. Eyewitness reports highlighted the chaos on board as passengers attempted to escape, with only a fraction of those on La Bourgogne surviving. Many people took to lifeboats, while others were forced to jump into the icy waters.

The aftermath of the sinking prompted widespread media coverage and brought attention to the inadequacies of maritime safety regulations at the time. The tragedy was among the deadliest maritime disasters in the North Atlantic, creating a pivotal moment in discussions surrounding ship navigation and safety protocols that would influence future maritime laws.