SS Gothenburg
Encyclopedia
The SS Gothenburg was a steamship that operated along the British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and then later the Australian and New Zealand coastlines. In February 1875, she left Darwin
Darwin, Northern Territory
Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia. Situated on the Timor Sea, Darwin has a population of 127,500, making it by far the largest and most populated city in the sparsely populated Northern Territory, but the least populous of all Australia's capital cities...
, Australia en route to Adelaide
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
when she encountered a cyclone
Cyclone
In meteorology, a cyclone is an area of closed, circular fluid motion rotating in the same direction as the Earth. This is usually characterized by inward spiraling winds that rotate anticlockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere of the Earth. Most large-scale...
-strength storm off the north Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
coast. The ship was wrecked on the Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world'slargest reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometres over an area of approximately...
north-west of Holbourne Island
Holbourne Island National Park
Holbourne Island National Park is a national park in Queensland , 983 km northwest of Brisbane.- History :Holbourne Island became well-known in 1875, when 18 survivors of the shipwreck SS Gothenburg reached its shores...
on 24 February 1875. Survivors in one of the lifeboats
Lifeboat (shipboard)
A lifeboat is a small, rigid or inflatable watercraft carried for emergency evacuation in the event of a disaster aboard ship. In the military, a lifeboat may be referred to as a whaleboat, dinghy, or gig. The ship's tenders of cruise ships often double as lifeboats. Recreational sailors sometimes...
were rescued two days later by the Leichhardt, while the occupants of two other lifeboats that managed to reach Holbourne Island were rescued several days later. Twenty two men survived, while between 98 and 112 others died, including a number of high profile civil servants and dignitaries.
Description and history
The Gothenburg was commissioned in 1855 following her construction at Lungley's building yards in MillwallMillwall
Millwall is an area in London, on the western side of the Isle of Dogs, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It lies to the south of the developments at West India Docks, including Canary Wharf.-History:...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. She was a 501 ton, 197 feet (60 m) long vessel, with a 120 hp coal-burning engine. She was rigged as barquentine
Barquentine
A barquentine is a sailing vessel with three or more masts; with a square rigged foremast and fore-and-aft rigged main, mizzen and any other masts.-Modern barquentine sailing rig:...
, with her funnel set well aft between the main and mizzen masts. She was fitted with four lifeboats
Lifeboat (shipboard)
A lifeboat is a small, rigid or inflatable watercraft carried for emergency evacuation in the event of a disaster aboard ship. In the military, a lifeboat may be referred to as a whaleboat, dinghy, or gig. The ship's tenders of cruise ships often double as lifeboats. Recreational sailors sometimes...
, two port and two starboard.
Her first owner, the North of Europe Steam Navigation Company, operated her between Irongate Wharf, near the Tower of London
Tower of London
Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space...
, and Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
. In 1857, she was acquired by the Union Castle Line and renamed the RMS
Royal Mail Ship
Royal Mail Ship , usually seen in its abbreviated form RMS, a designation which dates back to 1840, is the ship prefix used for seagoing vessels that carry mail under contract by Royal Mail...
Celt. In June 1862, McMerkan, Blackwood and Co. of Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
purchased her for the Australian trade and in that year she made a protracted voyage from England to Australia by sail. She was one of the most modern vessels working around the Australian coastline in the 1860s, and became a popular ship as she was considered reliable. After many years on the Australia-New Zealand run, her owners transferred her to the Australian coastal service.
In 1873, she was lengthened and refitted in Adelaide to enable longer distances under steam and greater passenger
Passenger
A passenger is a term broadly used to describe any person who travels in a vehicle, but bears little or no responsibility for the tasks required for that vehicle to arrive at its destination....
and cargo
Cargo
Cargo is goods or produce transported, generally for commercial gain, by ship, aircraft, train, van or truck. In modern times, containers are used in most intermodal long-haul cargo transport.-Marine:...
capacity. Following her modifications, her name reverted once again to Gothenburg.
In November 1874, several shipowners were contracted for two years from the South Australia
South Australia
South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of , it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.South Australia shares borders with all of the mainland...
n government to provide ten round trips between the colonial capital of Adelaide
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
and its furthest outpost, Port Darwin
Darwin, Northern Territory
Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia. Situated on the Timor Sea, Darwin has a population of 127,500, making it by far the largest and most populated city in the sparsely populated Northern Territory, but the least populous of all Australia's capital cities...
. Port Darwin was feeling the effects of a gold rush
Australian gold rushes
The Australian gold rush started in 1851 when prospector Edward Hammond Hargraves claimed the discovery of payable gold near Bathurst, New South Wales, at a site Edward Hargraves called Ophir.Eight months later, gold was found in Victoria...
at Pine Creek
Pine Creek, Northern Territory
Pine Creek is a small town in the Katherine region of the Northern Territory, Australia. According to the 2001 Australian census 665 people live in Pine Creek, which is the fourth largest town between Darwin and Alice Springs....
and growing quickly as a trade post with the Dutch East Indies
Dutch East Indies
The Dutch East Indies was a Dutch colony that became modern Indonesia following World War II. It was formed from the nationalised colonies of the Dutch East India Company, which came under the administration of the Netherlands government in 1800....
. However, all the local bank
Bank
A bank is a financial institution that serves as a financial intermediary. The term "bank" may refer to one of several related types of entities:...
s sent their money
Money
Money is any object or record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts in a given country or socio-economic context. The main functions of money are distinguished as: a medium of exchange; a unit of account; a store of value; and, occasionally in the past,...
, together with government paperwork and the Royal Mail
Royal Mail
Royal Mail is the government-owned postal service in the United Kingdom. Royal Mail Holdings plc owns Royal Mail Group Limited, which in turn operates the brands Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide...
, around the east coast to Adelaide. On successful completion of each voyage, the South Australian government would pay the owners £1000 sterling.
When the Gothenburg left Port Darwin on Wednesday, 17 February 1875, Captain James Pearce was under orders to make best possible speed. Pearce had been her captain on the Adelaide-Darwin run for some time and had built up a solid reputation. He was a man of the sea, a man of sobriety and kindness and was well respected by his fellow sea captains.
Crew
A crew is a body or a class of people who work at a common activity, generally in a structured or hierarchical organization. A location in which a crew works is called a crewyard or a workyard...
(surviving records vary) were government officials, circuit court judges, Darwin residents taking their first furlough
Furlough
In the United States a furlough is a temporary unpaid leave of some employees due to special needs of a company, which may be due to economic conditions at the specific employer or in the economy as a whole...
and miners. Also aboard was the French Vice Consul
Vice Consul
A vice consul is a subordinate officer, authorized to exercise consular functions in some particular part of a district controlled by a consulate....
Eduard Durand and James Millner, the medical officer in George W. Goyder's 1869 expedition
Exploration
Exploration is the act of searching or traveling around a terrain for the purpose of discovery of resources or information. Exploration occurs in all non-sessile animal species, including humans...
to found the first colony at Port Darwin. There were also several prisoners aboard, bound for the Adelaide jail
Jail
A jail is a short-term detention facility in the United States and Canada.Jail may also refer to:In entertainment:*Jail , a 1966 Malayalam movie*Jail , a 2009 Bollywood movie...
. Locked in the Captain's cabin was approximately 3,000 ounces of gold
Gold
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and an atomic number of 79. Gold is a dense, soft, shiny, malleable and ductile metal. Pure gold has a bright yellow color and luster traditionally considered attractive, which it maintains without oxidizing in air or water. Chemically, gold is a...
valued at £40,000 consigned to the ES&A Bank
English, Scottish and Australian Bank
The English, Scottish & Australian Bank Limited was a former bank which was founded in 1852 by Royal Charter in London and was known as the English, Scottish and Australian Chartered Bank. It was merged with the Australia and New Zealand Bank in 1970....
in Adelaide. (approx US$2.6 million in 2008). Durand reportedly also carried a tin box with him containing gold sovereigns and coins worth in excess of £3,000.
In three days of fine weather, the Gothenburg travelled 900 miles from Palmerston (Darwin) to Somerset
Somerset, Queensland
Somerset is a historical ruin of Somerset homestead, a station established by John Jardine in 1863 and is 35 km north of Bamaga on Cape York in Queensland, Australia. It is a good camping area and day trip with facilities for barbecues....
on Cape York
Cape York Peninsula
Cape York Peninsula is a large remote peninsula located in Far North Queensland at the tip of the state of Queensland, Australia, the largest unspoilt wilderness in northern Australia and one of the last remaining wilderness areas on Earth...
. The weather
Weather
Weather is the state of the atmosphere, to the degree that it is hot or cold, wet or dry, calm or stormy, clear or cloudy. Most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere, just below the stratosphere. Weather refers, generally, to day-to-day temperature and precipitation activity, whereas climate...
began to worsen so the ship stopped to take on ballast
Sailing ballast
Ballast is used in sailboats to provide moment to resist the lateral forces on the sail. Insufficiently ballasted boats will tend to tip, or heel, excessively in high winds. Too much heel may result in the boat capsizing. If a sailing vessel should need to voyage without cargo then ballast of...
at Somerset. While anchored, conditions deteriorated to a point where both anchor chains parted. After the loss of the anchors, the Gothenburg was forced to prematurely steam out seven miles due to strong currents, where she brought up for the night.
Two days later, Tuesday 23 February, the Gothenburg passed Cooktown at about 2:00 pm. The wind and rain severely increased and cloud cover became so thick it blocked out the sun. Despite this, she continued the journey south into growing worsening weather, in a deep water passage between the North Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
coastline and the Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world'slargest reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometres over an area of approximately...
, known as the inner route. Although taking this route provided some protection from the open sea, captains had to navigate and thread their way through a number of then uncharted reefs. All passengers and crew expected to be in Newcastle
Newcastle, New South Wales
The Newcastle metropolitan area is the second most populated area in the Australian state of New South Wales and includes most of the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Local Government Areas...
on Sunday evening for a scheduled stopover.
Shipwreck
On the evening of 24 February 1875, the ship was still heading south in almost cyclonicCyclone
In meteorology, a cyclone is an area of closed, circular fluid motion rotating in the same direction as the Earth. This is usually characterized by inward spiraling winds that rotate anticlockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere of the Earth. Most large-scale...
conditions with fore, top and mainsails set and the steam engines running at full speed. Flooding rains lashed the entire Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
coast and Captain Pearce reportedly could not see land or sun. At approximately 7:00 pm, and for reasons undetermined, he altered course and shortly afterwards, at full speed (11 to 12 knots), hit a section of the Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world'slargest reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometres over an area of approximately...
at low tide 31 miles (49.9 km) north west of Holbourne Island
Holbourne Island National Park
Holbourne Island National Park is a national park in Queensland , 983 km northwest of Brisbane.- History :Holbourne Island became well-known in 1875, when 18 survivors of the shipwreck SS Gothenburg reached its shores...
. The Gothenburg struck with such force that she was left high up on the reef. Immediately, an order came out to lower the sails. At first, there was no panic
Panic
Panic is a sudden sensation of fear which is so strong as to dominate or prevent reason and logical thinking, replacing it with overwhelming feelings of anxiety and frantic agitation consistent with an animalistic fight-or-flight reaction...
and many passengers returned to their cabin bunks expecting the Gothenburg would come off the reef at high tide
High Tide
High Tide was a band formed in 1969 by Tony Hill , Simon House , Peter Pavli and Roger Hadden .-History:...
.
In an attempt to refloat her, Captain Pearce ordered the Gothenburg to be lightened forward. Water casks used as ballast and passengers were positioned aft
Aft
Aft, in naval terminology, is an adjective or adverb meaning, towards the stern of the ship, when the frame of reference is within the ship. Example: "Able Seaman Smith; lay aft!". Or; "What's happening aft?"...
in an endeavour to refloat her as the tide rose, but without success. Finally, a fatal attempt was made to refloat her, by reversing the engine hard. The vessel came half off the reef, but holed herself badly and then slewed broadside
Broadside (disambiguation)
Broadside may refer to:* an adverb, meaning "with the side, esp. with the broader side, facing toward a given point or object: The truck hit the fence broadside."...
to the waves, in a much worse position. However, with the tide rising and some cargo now being dumped overboard, all aboard still expected the Gothenburg to float free. With strong winds changing direction and seas increasing, the boiler fires were extinguished by water rising through the damaged stern
Stern
The stern is the rear or aft-most part of a ship or boat, technically defined as the area built up over the sternpost, extending upwards from the counter rail to the taffrail. The stern lies opposite of the bow, the foremost part of a ship. Originally, the term only referred to the aft port section...
. Around midnight
Midnight
Midnight is the transition time period from one day to the next: the moment when the date changes. In the Roman time system, midnight was halfway between sunset and sunrise, varying according to the seasons....
, the chief engineer came on deck to report that the engine room was flooded and the engine was of no further use. With heavy seas now rushing down hatchways and into the cabins, the Gothenburg was doomed and Captain Pearce was forced to admit that the situation had become desperate.
Lifeboat (shipboard)
A lifeboat is a small, rigid or inflatable watercraft carried for emergency evacuation in the event of a disaster aboard ship. In the military, a lifeboat may be referred to as a whaleboat, dinghy, or gig. The ship's tenders of cruise ships often double as lifeboats. Recreational sailors sometimes...
almost impossible. At about 3:00 am, Captain Pearce ordered the two port lifeboats lowered, each with four crew on board. While being passed astern one of the boats broke the painter
Painter (rope)
A painter is a rope that is attached to the bow of a boat and used for tying up or for towing.Ideally, the length of the painter should be no longer than the length of the boat, especially on small craft, to prevent fouling the propeller of an outboard engine....
and became adrift. Its crew tried hard to pull up to the ship's side, but it was impossible in the heavy squall
Squall
A squall is a sudden, sharp increase in wind speed which is usually associated with active weather, such as rain showers, thunderstorms, or heavy snow. Squalls refer to an increase in the sustained winds over a short time interval, as there may be higher gusts during a squall event...
. The other was accidentally let go and both boats, in heavy seas, were unable to be retrieved.
At about 3:30 am on Thursday, 25 February, the Gothenburg continued to heel over. The deck became so steep that passengers and crew had to climb over the rails to get on her side. At about 4:00 am, the two remaining starboard lifeboats were lowered and were rushed by the passengers. One starboard lifeboat, crammed with women and children, capsized when others tried to board it. Some half dozen men righted her in the water, but, damaged and without oars, food or water, it quickly drifted away and was never found. The second starboard lifeboat also capsized when the sea crashed over, washing all the occupants into the sea. One passenger recalled the sea on the downwind
Windward and leeward
Windward is the direction upwind from the point of reference. Leeward is the direction downwind from the point of reference. The side of a ship that is towards the leeward is its lee side. If the vessel is heeling under the pressure of the wind, this will be the "lower side"...
side of the ship being covered with human heads bobbing up and down like corks. Five or six men and one woman climbed onto the upturned hull
Hull (watercraft)
A hull is the watertight body of a ship or boat. Above the hull is the superstructure and/or deckhouse, where present. The line where the hull meets the water surface is called the waterline.The structure of the hull varies depending on the vessel type...
. The boat was still connected to its painter
Painter (rope)
A painter is a rope that is attached to the bow of a boat and used for tying up or for towing.Ideally, the length of the painter should be no longer than the length of the boat, especially on small craft, to prevent fouling the propeller of an outboard engine....
, but it was unable to be recovered from the heavy sea and wind which swept the woman off and drowned her. A passenger, John Cleland, swam to the connected, but upturned lifeboat and further secured it with a rope tied to the Gothenburg. In less than fifteen minutes, nearly 100 people had drowned; washed away or trapped in their water filled cabins. By this time, several sharks were circling the wreck.
Survivors
By morning of the 25 February, only the masts were visible protruding from the water, with 14 people clinging to the riggingRigging
Rigging is the apparatus through which the force of the wind is used to propel sailboats and sailing ships forward. This includes masts, yards, sails, and cordage.-Terms and classifications:...
, where they remained for the next twenty four hours in cyclonic weather. At low tide, the Gothenburg ground and twisted and broke her back between the fore and main masts. However, the remaining starboard lifeboat which had also capsized, still held on by her painter
Painter (rope)
A painter is a rope that is attached to the bow of a boat and used for tying up or for towing.Ideally, the length of the painter should be no longer than the length of the boat, especially on small craft, to prevent fouling the propeller of an outboard engine....
and the rope attached by Cleland. At first light
Daylight
Daylight or the light of day is the combination of all direct and indirect sunlight outdoors during the daytime. This includes direct sunlight, diffuse sky radiation, and both of these reflected from the Earth and terrestrial objects. Sunlight scattered or reflected from objects in outer space is...
, on 26 February the weather eased and those survivors managed to right the boat, bailed it out, prepared a makeshift sail and paddled for the mainland. About seven hours later they realised they could not make mainland, so they altered course for an island that could be seen in the distance. When they arrived, they were met by 4 of the crew from one of the port lifeboats. Their lifeboat had been severely damaged on the rocks on the opposite side of the island while attempting to land there the day before.
Steamboat
A steamboat or steamship, sometimes called a steamer, is a ship in which the primary method of propulsion is steam power, typically driving propellers or paddlewheels...
Leichhardt at an island at the entrance to Whitsunday
Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of continental islands of various sizes off the central coast of Queensland, Australia, situated between just south of Bowen and to the north of Mackay, some north of Brisbane. The island group is centred on Whitsunday Island, while the group's commercial...
passage two days after the disaster. The steamer immediately reversed course back towards the wreck, which she reached at approximately 3.30pm on Friday, 26 February. Gothenburg was a complete wreck, the funnel was gone and she had sunk to the eyes of the lower rigging. The Leichhardt Chief Officer and four hands went alongside, but nothing other than her masts could be seen above the water except for the body of a naked man floating nearby. They assumed the other victims had been taken by sharks. The Leichhardt searched for survivors until last light and then made way for Bowen
Bowen, Queensland
Bowen is a town on the eastern coast of Queensland, Australia. At the 2006 census, Bowen had a population of 7,484.-Geography:Bowen is located on the north-east coast of Australia, at exactly twenty degrees south of the equator. In fact, the twentieth parallel crosses the main street...
where the alarm was raised.
At Holbourne Island
Holbourne Island National Park
Holbourne Island National Park is a national park in Queensland , 983 km northwest of Brisbane.- History :Holbourne Island became well-known in 1875, when 18 survivors of the shipwreck SS Gothenburg reached its shores...
, the other 18 survivors were living off raw bird's eggs and rain water that had pooled in the island rocks. Because rescue was uncertain, they engraved
Engraving
Engraving is the practice of incising a design on to a hard, usually flat surface, by cutting grooves into it. The result may be a decorated object in itself, as when silver, gold, steel, or glass are engraved, or may provide an intaglio printing plate, of copper or another metal, for printing...
ship details and their names on the concave side of a large turtle
Turtle
Turtles are reptiles of the order Testudines , characterised by a special bony or cartilaginous shell developed from their ribs that acts as a shield...
shell, in the hope that it would be found in the future. On Sunday, 28 February, 15 of them set off in the starboard lifeboat for an island about 20 miles away to the south, which appeared to be closer to the main shipping lane. A rescue ship sent looking for survivors, picked up the group and took them safely to Bowen. Another rescue ship called the Bunyip from Townsville subsequently returned to Holbourne Island and rescued the three remaining survivors.
Aftermath
Although reports vary, records show that between 98 and 112 people drownedDrowning
Drowning is death from asphyxia due to suffocation caused by water entering the lungs and preventing the absorption of oxygen leading to cerebral hypoxia....
, including Dr James Millner and his family. Most records state the death toll at 102. Only 22 people survived (12 crew and 10 passengers). All 25 women and children aboard and all the officers died.
.jpg)
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is a federal territory of Australia, occupying much of the centre of the mainland continent, as well as the central northern regions...
, who remained behind in Darwin, lost his wife and six children. Devastated by the news, he was given six months leave on full pay by the government. The retired fifth Premier of South Australia, Thomas Reynolds
Thomas Reynolds
Thomas Reynolds was the fifth Premier of South Australia, serving from 9 May 1860 to 8 October 1861.He was born in England in 1818, and on leaving school had experience in the grocery business. He came to South Australia in 1840 as an early colonist at the invitation of his brother, who had a...
and his wife, Anne, both drowned as did Eduard Durand, the French Vice Consul.
Other notable passengers who died were Justice
Judge
A judge is a person who presides over court proceedings, either alone or as part of a panel of judges. The powers, functions, method of appointment, discipline, and training of judges vary widely across different jurisdictions. The judge is supposed to conduct the trial impartially and in an open...
William A. Wearing QC
Queen's Counsel
Queen's Counsel , known as King's Counsel during the reign of a male sovereign, are lawyers appointed by letters patent to be one of Her [or His] Majesty's Counsel learned in the law...
, Circuit Court Judge; Joseph Whitby, acting South Australian Crown Solicitor
Australian Government Solicitor
Australian Government Solicitor, previously known as Commonwealth Deputy Crown Solicitor, is a law firm that provides legal services to the Government of Australia, and occasionally to governments of the states and territories of Australia...
; Richard Wells, NT Times & Gazette
Northern Territory News
The Northern Territory News is a morning tabloid newspaper based in Darwin, Australia. It is a subsidiary of News Limited, owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. It primarily serves Darwin and the rest of the Northern Territory...
editor
Literary editor
A literary editor is an editor in a newspaper, magazine or similar publication who deals with aspects concerning literature and books, especially reviews. A literary editor may also help with editing books themselves, by providing services such as proof reading, copy-editing, and literary...
; Lionel Pelham, a senior public servant
Civil service
The term civil service has two distinct meanings:* A branch of governmental service in which individuals are employed on the basis of professional merit as proven by competitive examinations....
; Commander
Commander
Commander is a naval rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. Commander is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the armed forces, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Commander as a naval...
Andrew Ross of the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
; C. J. Lyons, Justice Wearing's senior assistant; William Shoobridge, Secretary
Company secretary
A company secretary is a senior position in a private company or public organisation, normally in the form of a managerial position or above. In the United States it is known as a corporate secretary....
to several mining companies; A. L. McKay, Government
Government of Australia
The Commonwealth of Australia is a federal constitutional monarchy under a parliamentary democracy. The Commonwealth of Australia was formed in 1901 as a result of an agreement among six self-governing British colonies, which became the six states...
Surveyor
Surveying
See Also: Public Land Survey SystemSurveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them...
and several Overland Telegraph
Australian Overland Telegraph Line
The Australian Overland Telegraph Line was a 3200 km telegraph line that connected Darwin with Port Augusta in South Australia. Completed in 1872 the Overland Telegraph Line allowed fast communication between Australia and the rest of the world. An additional section was added in 1877 with the...
employees.
Never before in Australian history had so many high-profile public servants, dignitaries and diplomats died in a single tragedy. Many passengers who died were Darwin residents and news of the tragedy severely affected the small community, reportedly taking several years to recover. Most of Gothenburg's crew were from Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
and as a result of the shipwreck, 11 widow
Widow
A widow is a woman whose spouse has died, while a widower is a man whose spouse has died. The state of having lost one's spouse to death is termed widowhood or occasionally viduity. The adjective form is widowed...
s and 34 children were left destitute in Victoria.
At Bowen, twelve survivors left with Captain Lake on the ship Victoria headed for Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
. They all got free passage from McMerkan, Blackwood and Co, the owners of Gothenburg. The four survivors from the second port lifeboat that were picked up by the steamer Leichhardt, remained with that ship and subsequently made way for Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
.
Surface supplied diving
Surface supplied diving refers to divers using equipment supplied with breathing gas using a diver's umbilical from the surface, either from the shore or from a diving support vessel sometimes indirectly via a diving bell...
, sent down to recover the gold and other valuables, found the bodies of two women at the foot of the saloon staircase, one with her arm around the other. The diver tried to reach them to take a lock of hair or some other personal item that could be identified by their loved ones, but the restriction of the air line made it impossible. The gold in the Captain's cabin was recovered after much difficulty. While recovering the gold, several sharks that were caught near the wreck were found to contain human bones, remains and jewellery.
There were three heroes identified that tragic night, all attested to by all the other survivors, for their attempts to save other passengers. In recognition of their bravery
Courage
Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation...
, on 26 July 1875, the Governor of South Australia, Sir Anthony Musgrave
Anthony Musgrave
Sir Anthony Musgrave KCMG was a colonial administrator and governor. He was born at St John’s, Antigua, the third of 11 children of Anthony Musgrave and Mary Harris Sheriff...
, presented passengers James Fitzgerald and John Cleland and crewman Robert Brazil with gold medal
Medal
A medal, or medallion, is generally a circular object that has been sculpted, molded, cast, struck, stamped, or some way rendered with an insignia, portrait, or other artistic rendering. A medal may be awarded to a person or organization as a form of recognition for athletic, military, scientific,...
s and a gold watch. The Gothenburg Relief Fund Committee also presented each of them with a gold chain.
Report
The report of the Marine Board of QueenslandQueensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
determined that:
Lifeboats
There was also much speculation at the time in the AdelaideAdelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
and Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
press
News media
The news media are those elements of the mass media that focus on delivering news to the general public or a target public.These include print media , broadcast news , and more recently the Internet .-Etymology:A medium is a carrier of something...
on why the lifeboats
Lifeboat (shipboard)
A lifeboat is a small, rigid or inflatable watercraft carried for emergency evacuation in the event of a disaster aboard ship. In the military, a lifeboat may be referred to as a whaleboat, dinghy, or gig. The ship's tenders of cruise ships often double as lifeboats. Recreational sailors sometimes...
had not been launched earlier. Survivor James Fitzgerald pointed out in his recollection that, had the lifeboats been filled to capacity, no one would have survived the severe weather conditions experienced. He also commented that passenger vessels were not required to carry enough lifeboats, concluding that there were insufficient places for all Gothenburg's passengers and crew. It was not until the RMS Titanic sank some 37 years later in 1912, that it was made compulsory for all British registered ships to carry sufficient lifeboats for everyone on board.
Present day
Today, only sections of the deteriorated ironIron
Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe and atomic number 26. It is a metal in the first transition series. It is the most common element forming the planet Earth as a whole, forming much of Earth's outer and inner core. It is the fourth most common element in the Earth's crust...
hull
Hull (watercraft)
A hull is the watertight body of a ship or boat. Above the hull is the superstructure and/or deckhouse, where present. The line where the hull meets the water surface is called the waterline.The structure of the hull varies depending on the vessel type...
and the coal fired square boilers of the SS Gothenburg remain. The wreck lies between 9 and approximately 16 metres (52.5 ft) of water on the western side of Old Reef, 130 kilometres (80.8 mi) southeast of Townsville. The Gothenburg shipwreck is registered on the Queensland National Estate (place ID #8923) as a Heritage site
Protected areas of Australia
Protected areas of Australia include Commonwealth and off-shore protected areas managed by the Australian government, as well as protected areas within each of the six states of Australia and two self-governing territories , which are managed by the eight state and territory...
, and is protected under Section 7 of the (Commonwealth) Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976
Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976
The Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 is an Australian Act of Parliament designed to legally protect historic shipwrecks and any relics or artifacts from those wrecks...
, which requires that divers have a permit to enter the 200m protected zone that has been declared around the wreck. Its official location is: Old Reef, Great Barrier Reef, 75 kilometres (46.6 mi) north-east of Ayr
Ayr, Queensland
Ayr is a town in Queensland, Australia near the delta of the Burdekin River, named after the Scottish town of Ayr by the settlers from the United Kingdom...
, at 19°22′06"S 148°03′21"E. The reef around the wreck provides good diving
Scuba diving
Scuba diving is a form of underwater diving in which a diver uses a scuba set to breathe underwater....
with an extensive coral
Coral
Corals are marine animals in class Anthozoa of phylum Cnidaria typically living in compact colonies of many identical individual "polyps". The group includes the important reef builders that inhabit tropical oceans and secrete calcium carbonate to form a hard skeleton.A coral "head" is a colony of...
garden. A strict non-disturbance policy applies to marine flora and fauna as well as to the fabric of the wreck. Pelagic fish
Pelagic fish
Pelagic fish live near the surface or in the water column of coastal, ocean and lake waters, but not on the bottom of the sea or the lake. They can be contrasted with demersal fish, which do live on or near the bottom, and reef fish which are associated with coral reefs.The marine pelagic...
and reef sharks
Blacktip reef shark
The blacktip reef shark is a species of requiem shark, family Carcharhinidae, easily identified by the prominent black tips on its fins...
are common.
Legacy
Darwin, Northern Territory
Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia. Situated on the Timor Sea, Darwin has a population of 127,500, making it by far the largest and most populated city in the sparsely populated Northern Territory, but the least populous of all Australia's capital cities...
suburb of Millner
Millner, Northern Territory
Millner is a northern suburb in the city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia.-History:Millner was named after Dr James S. Millner, the medical officer in George W. Goyder's 1869 expedition to found the first colony at Port Darwin. He went on to serve as Protector of Aborigines until...
was named after Dr James Millner who, together with his family, lost their lives on the Gothenburg. Most streets in the northern Darwin suburb of Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove, Northern Territory
Coconut Grove is a northern suburb of the city of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. It is in the Local Government Area of City of Darwin.-History:Coconut Grove is named for the grove of coconuts on the coastal fringe of the area...
and some in the adjacent suburb of Millner, were named after local Darwin residents, interstate visitors and crew who lost their lives during the shipwreck. Gothenburg Crescent, in the inner Darwin suburb of Stuart Park
Stuart Park, Northern Territory
Stuart Park is an inner suburb of the city of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.-History:This area derived its name as part of Parap after the Army had left in 1946 and a number of Sidney William hutments remained. The Parap Parish Hall between Westralia Street and Charles Street existed in...
was named after the ship.
The large turtle shell, which was engraved by the 18 survivors at Holbourne Island
Holbourne Island National Park
Holbourne Island National Park is a national park in Queensland , 983 km northwest of Brisbane.- History :Holbourne Island became well-known in 1875, when 18 survivors of the shipwreck SS Gothenburg reached its shores...
, is displayed at the South Australian Museum
South Australian Museum
The South Australian Museum is a museum in Adelaide, South Australia, founded in 1856. It occupies a complex of buildings on North Terrace in the cultural precinct of the Adelaide Parklands.-History:...
, on North Terrace
North Terrace, Adelaide
North Terrace is one of the four terraces that bound the central business and residential district of the city of Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. It runs east-west, along the northern edge of the CBD.-North Side of North Terrace:...
in Adelaide
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest city in Australia. Adelaide has an estimated population of more than 1.2 million...
.
Survivors
In 1875, a detailed list of all passengers and crew was published by J.H. Lewis, Printer & Publisher, albeit with several errors and spelling mistakes. That document was used as the main source of the following survivors table.The survivors surnames have been reconciled against rescue ships' log books, other records and a photo of the engraved turtle shell. Known discrepancies have been clarified, where possible, in the comments section.
| Name | Status | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew, Stewart | Passenger | Gold miner; some records have spelt as "Andrews" |
| Bilts, Richard | Crew | Able Seaman Able Seaman (occupation) An able seaman is an unlicensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. An AB may work as a watchstander, a day worker, or a combination of these roles.-Watchstander:... ; some records have incorrectly spelt as "Betts" or "Blyes" |
| Brazil, Robert (Paddy) | Crew | Fireman; awarded a Medal Medal A medal, or medallion, is generally a circular object that has been sculpted, molded, cast, struck, stamped, or some way rendered with an insignia, portrait, or other artistic rendering. A medal may be awarded to a person or organization as a form of recognition for athletic, military, scientific,... for bravery; Brazil Crescent in Karama Karama, Northern Territory Karama is a working class Northern suburb of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.-History:The suburb of Karama is named after an Aboriginal tribe.... named after |
| Burns, William | Crew | Trimmer Coal trimmer A coal trimmer is an occupation involving the positioning of boats to be loaded with coal. It may also involve the spreading of coal evenly using a shovel inside the hold of a ship.... ; rescued by the steamer Leichhardt |
| Campbell, James, J. | Passenger | Died shortly after rescue from ill effects of exposure |
| Cleland, John | Passenger | Gold miner; Cleland Street in Millner Millner, Northern Territory Millner is a northern suburb in the city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia.-History:Millner was named after Dr James S. Millner, the medical officer in George W. Goyder's 1869 expedition to found the first colony at Port Darwin. He went on to serve as Protector of Aborigines until... named after; awarded a Medal for bravery |
| Cockram, Thomas | Passenger | Gold miner; some records have incorrectly spelt as "Cockburn" or "Cockerman" |
| Cooper, George | Crew | Fireman; some records have incorrectly spelt as George "Cover" |
| Falk, William, F. | Crew | Able Seaman |
| Fitzgerald, James, J. | Passenger | Fitzgerald Street in Millner named after; awarded a Medal for bravery |
| Griffiths, William (Bill) | Crew | Able Seaman |
| Harris, David | Passenger | Virginia Gold Mining Company; Harris Street in Millner named after |
| Halminson, Salin or Salve | Crew | Able Seaman; rescued by steamer Leichhardt; several incorrect variations of his surname exist |
| Hogan, Patrick, J. | Passenger | Gold miner |
| Hudson, Joseph | Crew | Fireman; rescued by the steamer Leichhardt |
| Kruger, Jack | Passenger | Gold miner |
| Marks, James | Crew | Able Seaman |
| Nelson, Harry | Crew | Forecabin Steward Steward's Assistant A steward's assistant is an unlicensed, entry-level crewmember in the Steward's department of a merchant ship. This position can also be referred to as steward , galley utilityman, messman, supply or waiter.The role of the SA consists mainly of stocking, cleaning and assisting with the... ; rescued by the steamer Leichhardt |
| Reynolds, Jack | Crew | Able Seaman |
| Roberts, William | Passenger | Gold miner; some records have incorrectly spelt as William "Romers" |
| Thomas, William, S. | Passenger | Purser Purser The purser joined the warrant officer ranks of the Royal Navy in the early fourteenth century and existed as a Naval rank until 1852. The development of the warrant officer system began in 1040 when five English ports began furnishing warships to King Edward the Confessor in exchange for certain... of Winns Gold Mining Company, NT; only Saloon First class travel First class is the most luxurious class of accommodation on a train, passenger ship, airplane, or other conveyance. It is usually much more expensive than business class and economy class, and offers the best amenities.-Aviation:... passenger to survive |
| Wylie, David | Crew | Able Seaman; Helmsman Helmsman A helmsman is a person who steers a ship, sailboat, submarine, or other type of maritime vessel. On small vessels, particularly privately-owned noncommercial vessels, the functions of skipper and helmsman may be combined in one person. On larger vessels, there is a separate officer of the watch,... at time of grounding |
Full known passenger list
| Name | Comment | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew, Stewart | Gold miner; some records have spelt as "Andrews" | Survived |
| Blades | Male | Died |
| Cameron, George Francis | Probably a gold miner Gold mining Gold mining is the removal of gold from the ground. There are several techniques and processes by which gold may be extracted from the earth.-History:... |
Died |
| Campbell, James, J. | Survived, but died shortly after rescue from the ill effects of exposure | Survived |
| Cartwright family | Edward & 2 sons; Cartwright Court in Coconut Grove Coconut Grove, Northern Territory Coconut Grove is a northern suburb of the city of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. It is in the Local Government Area of City of Darwin.-History:Coconut Grove is named for the grove of coconuts on the coastal fringe of the area... named after |
All died |
| Cleave, Edward | Male; gold miner and prisoner | Died |
| Cleland, John | Gold miner; Cleland Street in Millner Millner, Northern Territory Millner is a northern suburb in the city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia.-History:Millner was named after Dr James S. Millner, the medical officer in George W. Goyder's 1869 expedition to found the first colony at Port Darwin. He went on to serve as Protector of Aborigines until... named after; awarded a Medal Medal A medal, or medallion, is generally a circular object that has been sculpted, molded, cast, struck, stamped, or some way rendered with an insignia, portrait, or other artistic rendering. A medal may be awarded to a person or organization as a form of recognition for athletic, military, scientific,... for bravery |
Survived |
| Cockram, Thomas | Gold miner; some records have incorrectly spelt as "Cockburn" or "Cockerman" | Survived |
| Copeland, T. | Male | Died |
| Cox family | Darwin residents; Mr Price Winal, wife Mary with 3 daughter Daughter A daughter is a female offspring; a girl, woman, or female animal in relation to her parents. The male equivalent is a son. Analogously the name is used on several areas to show relations between groups or elements.-Etymology:... s and 1 son |
All died |
| Craig, Joseph | Darwin resident; Craig Crescent in Coconut Grove Coconut Grove, Northern Territory Coconut Grove is a northern suburb of the city of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. It is in the Local Government Area of City of Darwin.-History:Coconut Grove is named for the grove of coconuts on the coastal fringe of the area... named after |
Died |
| Deane, James | Gold miner; surname has also been spelt "Dean" | Died |
| Dittmar, A.W. | Gold miner; surname has also been spelt "Dittmer" | Died |
| Durand, Eduard | French Vice Consul Vice Consul A vice consul is a subordinate officer, authorized to exercise consular functions in some particular part of a district controlled by a consulate.... ; Durand Court in Coconut Grove named after |
Died |
| Easther, William | Overland Telegraph Australian Overland Telegraph Line The Australian Overland Telegraph Line was a 3200 km telegraph line that connected Darwin with Port Augusta in South Australia. Completed in 1872 the Overland Telegraph Line allowed fast communication between Australia and the rest of the world. An additional section was added in 1877 with the... employee; Easther Crescent in Coconut Grove named after |
Died |
| Eastwright family | Father and son | Both died |
| Edgar, J. | Male; mining engineer | Died |
| Fairhall, Henry William | Cattle drover Drover (Australian) A drover in Australia is a person, typically an experienced stockman, who moves livestock, usually sheep or cattle, "on the hoof" over long distances. Reasons for droving may include: delivering animals to a new owner's property, taking animals to market, or moving animals during a drought in... and gold miner |
Died |
| Fitzgerald, James, J. | Fitzgerald Street in Millner Millner, Northern Territory Millner is a northern suburb in the city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia.-History:Millner was named after Dr James S. Millner, the medical officer in George W. Goyder's 1869 expedition to found the first colony at Port Darwin. He went on to serve as Protector of Aborigines until... named after; awarded a Medal Medal A medal, or medallion, is generally a circular object that has been sculpted, molded, cast, struck, stamped, or some way rendered with an insignia, portrait, or other artistic rendering. A medal may be awarded to a person or organization as a form of recognition for athletic, military, scientific,... for bravery |
Survived |
| Floyd, William | Overland Telegraph Australian Overland Telegraph Line The Australian Overland Telegraph Line was a 3200 km telegraph line that connected Darwin with Port Augusta in South Australia. Completed in 1872 the Overland Telegraph Line allowed fast communication between Australia and the rest of the world. An additional section was added in 1877 with the... employee; Floyd Court in Coconut Grove named after |
Died |
| Fogerty, James, F. | Gold miner | Died |
| Fry, Charles | Saddle Saddle A saddle is a supportive structure for a rider or other load, fastened to an animal's back by a girth. The most common type is the equestrian saddle designed for a horse, but specialized saddles have been created for camels and other creatures... maker; Darwin resident; Fry Street in Palmerston Palmerston, Northern Territory Palmerston is a planned satellite city of Darwin, the capital and largest city in Australia's Northern Territory. Palmerston is situated near Darwin Harbour and has an urban population of 23,614 on the 2006 Census night and making it the second largest city in the territory... named after |
Died |
| Glenister, H. | Male; gold miner | Died |
| Gouldier family | Father (initials J.P.) and son (initial W.) | Both died |
| Graham, William H. | Employed by Adcock, Caldwell & Co, merchants | Died |
| Griffiths, James | Gold miner | Died |
| Harris, David | Virginia Gold Mining Company; Harris Street in Millner named after | Survived |
| Hart family | Patrick and wife; Darwin residents; Hart Court in Coconut Grove named after | Both died |
| Hazell, Henry | Darwin resident; Overland Telegraph employee Australian Overland Telegraph Line The Australian Overland Telegraph Line was a 3200 km telegraph line that connected Darwin with Port Augusta in South Australia. Completed in 1872 the Overland Telegraph Line allowed fast communication between Australia and the rest of the world. An additional section was added in 1877 with the... ; Hazell Court in Coconut Grove named after |
Died |
| Hearce, H. | Male | Died |
| Hogan, Patrick, J. | Gold miner | Survived |
| Hunt family | James Alexander and wife Eliza; publican of Great Britain Hotel | Both died |
| Johns, Edwin, S. | Stonemason Stonemasonry The craft of stonemasonry has existed since the dawn of civilization - creating buildings, structures, and sculpture using stone from the earth. These materials have been used to construct many of the long-lasting, ancient monuments, artifacts, cathedrals, and cities in a wide variety of cultures... |
Died |
| Kruger, Jack | Gold miner | Survived |
| Lauche, W. | Male; gold miner; has also been spelt "Lauchs" | Died |
| Lebane, Charlie | Gold miner | Died |
| Lizzar, Simon | Gold miner and Overland Telegraph Australian Overland Telegraph Line The Australian Overland Telegraph Line was a 3200 km telegraph line that connected Darwin with Port Augusta in South Australia. Completed in 1872 the Overland Telegraph Line allowed fast communication between Australia and the rest of the world. An additional section was added in 1877 with the... employee |
Died |
| Lyons, C. J. | Male; public Servant to Judge Wearing | Died |
| Martin, Richard | Overland Telegraph employee Australian Overland Telegraph Line The Australian Overland Telegraph Line was a 3200 km telegraph line that connected Darwin with Port Augusta in South Australia. Completed in 1872 the Overland Telegraph Line allowed fast communication between Australia and the rest of the world. An additional section was added in 1877 with the... ; Martin Crescent in Coconut Grove Coconut Grove, Northern Territory Coconut Grove is a northern suburb of the city of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. It is in the Local Government Area of City of Darwin.-History:Coconut Grove is named for the grove of coconuts on the coastal fringe of the area... named after |
Died |
| MaCarthy, John | Overland Telegraph Australian Overland Telegraph Line The Australian Overland Telegraph Line was a 3200 km telegraph line that connected Darwin with Port Augusta in South Australia. Completed in 1872 the Overland Telegraph Line allowed fast communication between Australia and the rest of the world. An additional section was added in 1877 with the... employee |
Died |
| McCallum, Malcolm | Gold miner | Died |
| McCreagh, R. (Jim) | Warden's teamster | Died |
| McHarg, W. | Male; surveyor; Overland Telegraph Australian Overland Telegraph Line The Australian Overland Telegraph Line was a 3200 km telegraph line that connected Darwin with Port Augusta in South Australia. Completed in 1872 the Overland Telegraph Line allowed fast communication between Australia and the rest of the world. An additional section was added in 1877 with the... employee |
Died |
| McKay, A. L. | Male; government surveyor Surveying See Also: Public Land Survey SystemSurveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them... |
Died |
| McKnight, R. | Male; gold miner | Died |
| Millner family | Dr Physician A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments... James, wife Caroline and 4 child Child Biologically, a child is generally a human between the stages of birth and puberty. Some vernacular definitions of a child include the fetus, as being an unborn child. The legal definition of "child" generally refers to a minor, otherwise known as a person younger than the age of majority... ren; Darwin suburb of Millner Millner, Northern Territory Millner is a northern suburb in the city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia.-History:Millner was named after Dr James S. Millner, the medical officer in George W. Goyder's 1869 expedition to found the first colony at Port Darwin. He went on to serve as Protector of Aborigines until... named after |
All died |
| Mitchell, John | Gold miner and Overland Telegraph Australian Overland Telegraph Line The Australian Overland Telegraph Line was a 3200 km telegraph line that connected Darwin with Port Augusta in South Australia. Completed in 1872 the Overland Telegraph Line allowed fast communication between Australia and the rest of the world. An additional section was added in 1877 with the... employee |
Died |
| Musgrave, Charles, W. | Male; Darwin resident; Musgrave Crescent in Coconut Grove named after | Died |
| Nation family | William, wife (Mary) & infant son; Nation Crescent in Coconut Grove named after | All died |
| Newcombe, J. | Male; gold miner and Overland Telegraph Australian Overland Telegraph Line The Australian Overland Telegraph Line was a 3200 km telegraph line that connected Darwin with Port Augusta in South Australia. Completed in 1872 the Overland Telegraph Line allowed fast communication between Australia and the rest of the world. An additional section was added in 1877 with the... employee |
Died |
| Ostermann family | Mrs (widow) & son; Ostermann Street in Coconut Grove named after | Both died |
| Peters, Otto | Darwin storekeeper; Peters Street in Coconut Grove named after | Died |
| Pelham, Lionel James | Senior Public Servant Civil service The term civil service has two distinct meanings:* A branch of governmental service in which individuals are employed on the basis of professional merit as proven by competitive examinations.... and Sketcher Sketch (drawing) A sketch is a rapidly executed freehand drawing that is not usually intended as a finished work... |
Died |
| Price (née Hamilton) family | Minna & her 6 children; Price Street in Parap Parap, Northern Territory Parap is an inner suburb of the city of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.-History:Parap derived its name from that applied by Dr John A Gilruth, first Commonwealth Administrator in 1912. He applied the name Paraparap , but had to abbreviate it to Parap later during his term... named after the family |
All Died |
| Radford, Thomas | Male; gold miner; Radford Court in Coconut Grove named after | Died |
| Reynolds, Thomas Thomas Reynolds Thomas Reynolds was the fifth Premier of South Australia, serving from 9 May 1860 to 8 October 1861.He was born in England in 1818, and on leaving school had experience in the grocery business. He came to South Australia in 1840 as an early colonist at the invitation of his brother, who had a... |
Retired Premier of South Australia; Reynolds Court in Coconut Grove Coconut Grove, Northern Territory Coconut Grove is a northern suburb of the city of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. It is in the Local Government Area of City of Darwin.-History:Coconut Grove is named for the grove of coconuts on the coastal fringe of the area... named after |
Died |
| Reynolds (née Litchfield), Anne | Wife of Thomas Reynolds; sister of Fred Litchfield Litchfield National Park Litchfield National Park, covering approximately 1500 km2, is near the township of Batchelor, 100 km south-west of Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia... |
Died |
| Roberts, William | Gold miner; some records have incorrectly spelt as William "Romers" | Survived |
| Roe, Dan | Died | |
| Ross, Andrew | Commander, Royal Navy; manager of the Australian Fishing Company | Died |
| Runge, John | Male; Darwin hotelkeeper; Runge Street in Coconut Grove named after | Died |
| Shoobridge, William | Mining company secretary; Shoobridge Street in Millner named after | Died |
| Simms, T. | Male | Died |
| Slocomb, James | Carpenter Carpenter A carpenter is a skilled craftsperson who works with timber to construct, install and maintain buildings, furniture, and other objects. The work, known as carpentry, may involve manual labor and work outdoors.... |
Died |
| Stone, A. | Male; gold miner | Died |
| Thomas, William, S. | Purser of Winns Gold Mining Company, NT; only Saloon First class travel First class is the most luxurious class of accommodation on a train, passenger ship, airplane, or other conveyance. It is usually much more expensive than business class and economy class, and offers the best amenities.-Aviation:... passenger to survive |
Survived |
| Thompson, W. | Male | Died |
| Vigor, N. S. | Female (Widow) Darwin resident; Vigor Street in Coconut Grove named after | Died |
| Wearing, William Alfred | Justice and Circuit Court Judge Judge A judge is a person who presides over court proceedings, either alone or as part of a panel of judges. The powers, functions, method of appointment, discipline, and training of judges vary widely across different jurisdictions. The judge is supposed to conduct the trial impartially and in an open... |
Died |
| Wells, Richard | Darwin resident; NT Times & Gazette Northern Territory News The Northern Territory News is a morning tabloid newspaper based in Darwin, Australia. It is a subsidiary of News Limited, owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. It primarily serves Darwin and the rest of the Northern Territory... Editor Literary editor A literary editor is an editor in a newspaper, magazine or similar publication who deals with aspects concerning literature and books, especially reviews. A literary editor may also help with editing books themselves, by providing services such as proof reading, copy-editing, and literary... ; Wells Street in Ludmilla Ludmilla, Northern Territory Ludmilla is a northern inner suburb of the city of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.-History:Ludmilla, as a suburb, obtained its name from Ludmilla Creek. The suburb is believed to have been named after Ludmilla Holtze by Gustav Sabine, who was a Government Surveyor, and who carried out a... named after |
Died |
| Whitby, Joseph James | Acting South Australian Crown Solicitor Australian Government Solicitor Australian Government Solicitor, previously known as Commonwealth Deputy Crown Solicitor, is a law firm that provides legal services to the Government of Australia, and occasionally to governments of the states and territories of Australia... |
Died |
| Williams, J. A. D. | Male; Overland Telegraph Australian Overland Telegraph Line The Australian Overland Telegraph Line was a 3200 km telegraph line that connected Darwin with Port Augusta in South Australia. Completed in 1872 the Overland Telegraph Line allowed fast communication between Australia and the rest of the world. An additional section was added in 1877 with the... employee |
Died |
| Wilson, W. D. | Male; teamster in Goyder's party | Died |
Full known crew list
| Name | Comment | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson, John | Third Engineer | Died |
| Bilts, Richard | Able Seaman Able Seaman (occupation) An able seaman is an unlicensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. An AB may work as a watchstander, a day worker, or a combination of these roles.-Watchstander:... ; some records have incorrectly spelt as "Betts" or "Blyes" |
Survived |
| Bond, P.S. | Steward | Died |
| Brazil, Robert (Paddy) | Fireman; awarded a Medal Medal A medal, or medallion, is generally a circular object that has been sculpted, molded, cast, struck, stamped, or some way rendered with an insignia, portrait, or other artistic rendering. A medal may be awarded to a person or organization as a form of recognition for athletic, military, scientific,... for bravery; Brazil Crescent in Karama Karama, Northern Territory Karama is a working class Northern suburb of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.-History:The suburb of Karama is named after an Aboriginal tribe.... named after |
Survived |
| Brown, Charles, T. | Steward | Died |
| Burns, William | Trimmer Trimmer In light-frame construction, a trimmer is a timber or metal beam used to create an opening around a stairwell, skylight, chimney, and the like... |
Survived |
| Butler or Butter, Thomas | Able Seaman Able seaman An able seaman is an unlicensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. An AB may work as a watchstander, a day worker, or a combination of these roles.-Watchstander:... |
Died |
| Cheese, George, S. | Steward | Died |
| Clark, William | Fireman; body found with identification by a rescue vessel | Died |
| Cooper, George | Fireman; some records have incorrectly spelt as George "Cover" | Survived |
| Davies or Davis, R. F. | Chief Officer | Died |
| Delaney, John | Fireman | Died |
| Flegg, John | Fireman | Died |
| Falk, William, F. | Able Seaman | Survived |
| Green, Charles | Second Engineer | Died |
| Griffiths, William (Bill) | Able Seaman | Survived |
| Hodness or Hodnett, James | First Cook | Died |
| Halminson, Salin or Salve | Able Seaman; died about 2 weeks after rescue from the ill effects of exposure | Survived |
| Hudson, Joseph | Fireman | Survived |
| Hunter, Adam | Fireman | Died |
| Jackson or Jeakson, Charles | Able Seaman | Died |
| Marks, James | Able Seaman | Survived |
| McDermott or Dermott, Charles | Cook's mate | Died |
| Nelson, Harry | Forecabin Steward Steward's Assistant A steward's assistant is an unlicensed, entry-level crewmember in the Steward's department of a merchant ship. This position can also be referred to as steward , galley utilityman, messman, supply or waiter.The role of the SA consists mainly of stocking, cleaning and assisting with the... |
Survived |
| Nock, W. C. | Steward | Died |
| Pearce, R.G.A. (James) | Captain Captain (nautical) A sea captain is a licensed mariner in ultimate command of the vessel. The captain is responsible for its safe and efficient operation, including cargo operations, navigation, crew management and ensuring that the vessel complies with local and international laws, as well as company and flag... or Master of the Gothenburg; Pearce Place in Millner Millner, Northern Territory Millner is a northern suburb in the city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia.-History:Millner was named after Dr James S. Millner, the medical officer in George W. Goyder's 1869 expedition to found the first colony at Port Darwin. He went on to serve as Protector of Aborigines until... named after |
Died |
| Peverren, A. | Able Seaman | Died |
| Randall, William | Second Cook | Died |
| Reynolds, Jack | Able Seaman | Survived |
| Robertson, M.A. | Stewardess; only female crew member | Died |
| Rosena, Gustave | Fireman | Died |
| Ross or Rose, David | Carpenter | Died |
| Short, David | Chief Engineer | Died |
| Smith, James | Steward | Died |
| Stephens or Stevens, R. | Second Officer | Died |
| Tyrrell, James | Fireman | Died |
| Wylie, David | Able Seaman; Helmsman Helmsman A helmsman is a person who steers a ship, sailboat, submarine, or other type of maritime vessel. On small vessels, particularly privately-owned noncommercial vessels, the functions of skipper and helmsman may be combined in one person. On larger vessels, there is a separate officer of the watch,... at time of grounding |
Survived |
See also
- List of disasters in Australia by death toll
- List of shipwrecks
- Timeline of Australian historyTimeline of Australian historyThis is a timeline of Australian history.-BC:*c. 68,000–40,000 BC: Aboriginal tribes are thought to have arrived in Australia.*c. 13,000 BC: Land bridges between mainland Australia and Tasmania are flooded. Tasmanian Aboriginal people become isolated for the next 12,000 – 13,000 years.*c...
- Protected areas of AustraliaProtected areas of AustraliaProtected areas of Australia include Commonwealth and off-shore protected areas managed by the Australian government, as well as protected areas within each of the six states of Australia and two self-governing territories , which are managed by the eight state and territory...