During the morning of Monday April 17th 1995 whilst on passage from Jersey to Sark, the French catamaran "Saint-Malo" struck a rock known as Le Frouquie, 900 meteres north of La Corbiere Lighthouse. Visibility was good at the time but with a Spring tide ebbing to the west and a westerly Force 5 wind, the sea conditions near Corbiere were moderate to rough.

Emergency services responded promptly and nerarby ships gave assistance. All 307 passengers and crew were saved fom the partially submerged vessel.

The memorial of the holding hands was erected in thanksgiving and as a tribute to the rescue, which with the help of God and many strong arms, ensured the safe return of all on board.