The Northfleet maritime disaster occurred in 1863 when the British clipper ship "Northfleet" was anchored off Dungeness, England. The vessel, en route to Tasmania with passengers and railway materials, was fatally struck by the Spanish steamship "Murillo" in the English Channel at night. The collision caused the Northfleet to quickly sink, resulting in over 300 deaths from the 379 onboard. The Murillo's failure to assist sparked outrage and a British investigation, influencing changes in maritime safety regulations.