Many serious maritime incidents occurred in the waters of Hong Kong in the 19th century. Many marine incidents were attributed to typhoons. Records of typhoons can be dated back to July 1841. One of the most powerful typhoons was recorded in 1874, during which at least 200 vessels foundered and several hundred others were damaged. It is estimated that around four to five thousand people died during the passage of the typhoon. Further deadly typhoons in 1900, 1906, 1923 and 1937 claimed tens of thousands of lives.

The catastrophe experienced by the steamer Wan Loong was the most serious incident during the 19th century. The tragedy occurred in 1874 when the vessel departed for Guangzhou from Messrs. John Burd & Co.’s wharf early in the morning. The small steamer, loaded with cargo and some 200 passengers, capsized right after making a sharp turn in Victoria Harbour. It was reported that around 50 passengers had drowned.