When the Powell family leaves the United States with Hesperus, they sail aboard SS La Bourgogne, a French ocean liner launched in 1886. During their voyage, on July 4, 1898, the ship sinks after colliding with the sailing ship Cromartyshire. The accident is officially attributed to thick fog off Newfoundland, and not the German Navy’s capture of Mary Elizabeth and Hesperus.

The sinking made international news, with shocking reports the crew caused the death of the vast majority of passengers. Only 13 % of passengers survived, compared with 48 % of the crew. Of the 200 women passengers, only one survived. Of the numerous children on board, none survived.