PS CLONMEL
LocationClonmel Sands, Port Albert Bar. VHR NumberS129 Date lost03/01/1841 Year of construction1836 |
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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 time, it is now one of the most significant archaeological sites in Victoria. The site is archaeologically significant for being the earliest located steamship wreck in Australian waters. It is also technically significant for the remains of a wooden hulled paddle steamship, including its early flue type boiler which is believed to be the only example known in Australia. It is historically significant for its role in the discovery of Port Albert and subsequent development of Gippsland. *There is a 100m diameter Protected Zone around Clonmel centred on position -38.7455556 S, 146.6769444 E WGS84. No entry is permitted unless a Permit has been authorised by Heritage Victoria. *
| 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 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 time, it is now one of the most significant archaeological sites in Victoria
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| 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.
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| Owner | 1836: Waterford Steamship Company1840: Edye Manning & partners |
| Master of Vessel | Capt. John Tollervey |
| Weather conditions |
Calm and foggy, glassy seas
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| Cause of Loss |
Navigational error by mate on watch, coastal setting current, foggy weather
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| 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. Walker, Master Walker and servant, Mr T.D. Edwards, Mr C
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| Number of Crew Members | 42 |