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SS CHEVIOT
LocationCheviot Beach, Point Nepean VHR NumberS113 Date lost20/10/1887 Year of construction1870 Official number63648 |
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Statement of Significance
The Cheviot is historically significant as a typical example of a coastal trading passenger and cargo steamship. It has the tragic distinction of being one of Victoria's worst shipwrecks with 35 lives lost, and is the worst shipwreck to have occurred at Port Phillip Heads in terms of loss of life.
| Physical Description | |
|---|---|
| Rig | Schooner |
| Hull Details | Schooner-rigged; elliptical stern; clincher built; 1deck; 4 bulkheads 4; double-bottomed after and under 5engine room |
| Propulsion | Steam - Screw |
| Number of Masts | 2 |
| Length / Breadth / Depth | 230.2 Feet / 32.2 Feet / 17.5 Feet |
| History | |
| Builder | C. Mitchell & Co |
| Built Date | 1870 |
| Built Port / Country | Low Walker, Newcastle / England |
| Registration Number | No. 39 of 1876 |
| Registration Port / Country | Melbourne / Australia |
| Former Details of Registration | No. 17 of 1870 |
| Details |
Loss of propeller while on outer edge of Rip made the vessel unmanageable. Sails were set immediately but it drifted ashore about 9 pm. Broke in two before going to pieces. Queenscliff lifeboat ... more |
| Voyage Details | |
| Date Lost | 20/10/1887 |
| Voyage | from Melbourne to Sydney |
| Cargo |
Metals, wine, foodstuffs, sundries, valued at 8000 pounds |
| Owner | W. Howard Smith & Sons Ltd |
| Master of Vessel | Capt. Thomas B. Richardson |
| Weather conditions |
Night; SW gale |
| Cause of Loss |
Drifted ashore after propellor fell off or blade hit floating wreckage |
| Further Details | |
| Number of Passengers | 33 |
| Comments on Passenger |
There may have been an extra two passengers who boarded at the last minute, so the passenger numbers may be 33-35, and consequently the death toll may be 35-37 lives lost. |
| Number of Crew Members | 36 |