SS Valencia runs aground on rocks on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, killing more than 130.

The SS Valencia, a passenger steamship, met a tragic fate on January 22, 1906, when it ran aground near Pachena Point on the treacherous west coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. Caught in a severe storm, the vessel became disoriented and struck a reef known as part of the “Graveyard of the Pacific.” The impact tore a gaping hole in the hull, causing the ship to flood rapidly. Despite the crew’s frantic efforts to save the passengers, chaos ensued as lifeboats were launched into rough seas, many of which capsized or were lost. Out of approximately 173 people on board, only 37 survived, making it one of the most devastating maritime disasters in the Pacific Northwest. The tragedy highlighted inadequate maritime safety measures, leading to significant reforms, including improved navigational aids and the construction of additional lighthouses along the perilous coastline.