On March 22 the ships were about south-southwest of Cape Horn. They had passed west of the cape and so changed course toward the northwest. But during the night of April 1 the winds shifted, indicating dangerous weather. Kendrick had the "Columbia" adjust course in an attempt to race ahead. A signal gun was fired and the "Washington" followed. But in the morning light, with the storm still approaching, the two ships had lost sight of each other. Over three more days of heavy seas and blizzard-like conditions, they were entirely lost to one another. The "Columbia", badly damaged, was driven back eastward, while the crew made what repairs they could.