St. Philibert was a small cruise ship sailing in the summer from the mouth of the Loire River and near the coast of France.

Seven men from the crew, supervised by Captain Ollive, were responsible for ensuring smooth passage for the ship.

The outbound trip was normal and St. Philibert docked at the L'Herbaudière on the Île de Noirmoutier.

On the return trip, the weather deteriorated later in the afternoon and St. Philibert faced raging seas.

A trial took place in 1933 and the victims' families were unsuccessful and the owners were free from any responsibility in the disaster.