Helmed by Captain Murdoch, Ocean Monarch was towed from the port and entered the open sea around eight o'clock in the morning.

Not far from harbor, between Abergele Bay and Great Orme's Head off Llandudno, at around noon, Ocean Monarch was witnessed to put up its helm as if to return to port and then a flag of distress was raised.

At this time it was apparent that the crew had lost control of the passengers who had begun fleeing the fire, rushing around deck in panic and even throwing themselves overboard.

On board of Dom Afonso were Prince de Joinville, Duke and Duchess of Aumale, a Brazilian Minister, and Admiral John Pascoe Grenfell.

Dom Afonso managed to get close enough to Ocean Monarch to fasten a rope to her allowing for rapid ferrying of passengers via boats.

Frederick Jerome a sailor working aboard New World, born in Portsmouth, but then a resident of New York, showed personal bravery during the rescue.

He also received a £50 award from Queen Victoria and another £50 from the Prince de Joinville and the Duc d'Aumale, both aboard the Dom Afonso.