"Ocean Monarch" had left Liverpool on the morning of 24 August 1848 carrying passengers to Boston in the United States. 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. Within a short time flames were seen rising towards the rear of the vessel.