In early December 1862, Dolphin had sailed to one of the bays of the harbour to load lime.[2]
On starting back to Lyttelton, the wind and tide were both unfavourable. Dolphin drifted and the crew were unable to wear the vessel.[1] It was carried on to rocks near Quail Island, capsized, and became a total wreck.[3] The crew of three escaped in the dinghy.