On a summer evening in 1878, the Princess Alice, a pleasure boat carrying a large number of passengers, was making its way along the River Thames. The vessel, which was popular for excursions, collided with the Bywell Castle, a coal barge heavily laden with cargo. The impact, which occurred near Woolwich, resulted in a quick and horrific sinking of the Princess Alice. Eyewitness accounts describe the chaos that ensued as passengers scrambled to escape the rapidly sinking ship. Many were trapped inside, while others jumped into the cold waters of the Thames in a desperate attempt to survive. The Bywell Castle managed to stay afloat, and its crew endeavored to assist in rescue operations, but the damage had been done. Rescue boats and local fishermen rushed to the scene, and despite their efforts, over 640 people perished in the accident. The news of the tragedy shocked the nation, leading to widespread public outcry regarding the safety regulations governing passenger boats. The disaster prompted inquiries into maritime safety standards, resulting in changes aimed at preventing future accidents. This collision not only highlighted the need for enhanced safety measures on the river but also reflected the growing popularity of leisure boating during the period, posing challenges for regulation as more people engaged in recreational activities on the water.