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PS CLONMEL

Location

Clonmel Sands, Port Albert Bar.

VHR Number

S129

Date lost

03/01/1841

Year of construction

1836

Statement of Significance

The paddle steamer Clonmel was one of the first steam-powered vessels on the Australian coast. However, its career was short, being wrecked on its third voyage on what is now known as Clonmel Island at the Port Albert entrance. All on board reached safety, but much of the cargo was lost.The wreck of the Clonmel was instrumental in the settlement of Gippsland and the establishment of the towns of Port Albert, Tarraville and Alberton. Although the wreck of the Clonmel was a disaster at the ... more

Physical Description  
Construction Material Wood
Propulsion Steam - Paddle
Engine Specification George Forrester and Co. Liverpool
Engine Builder 220 horsepower, engine room 58 feet long, coal consumption 610kg per hour, 10 knots maximum speed, machinery valued at between 16,000 and 18,000 pounds when new
Number of Masts 2
Length / Breadth / Depth 154.8 Feet / 27.2 Feet / 16.0 Feet
History  
Built Date 1836
Built Port / Country Birkenhead / England
Registration Number 89 of 1840
Registration Port / Country Sydney / Australia
Details

The paddle steamer Clonmel was one of the first steam-powered vessels on the Australian coast. However, its career was short, being wrecked on its third voyage on what is now known as Clonmel Island ... more

Voyage Details  
Date Lost 03/01/1841
Voyage from Sydney to Melbourne
Cargo

3000 pounds of bank notes for Union Bank, drapery stock for Cashmore's store on corner of Collins St and Elizabeth St, general cargo (half of cargo on board) for Hamilton and Goodwin, Melbourne.

Owner 1836: Waterford Steamship Company1840: Edye Manning & partners
Master of Vessel Capt. John Tollervey
Weather conditions

Calm and foggy, glassy seas

Cause of Loss

Navigational error by mate on watch, coastal setting current, foggy weather

Further Details  
Number of Passengers 38
Comments on Passenger

Mr C. Robinson (Union Bank), Mr and Mrs Cashmore (newly married on honeymoon voyage), Mr and Mrs Walker (Mrs Walker was the daughter of Mr Blaxland MLC), Miss H. Walker, Miss S.R. Walker, Miss M.C. ... more

Number of Crew Members 42

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