DOMINION

Location Indented Head, Port Phillip Bay VHR Number S186 Date lost 1925 Year of construction 1875 Official number 69667

Statement of Significance

Physical Description
Construction Material	Wood
Rig	Lighter
Hull Details	Originally built as a wooden barque, converted to lighter 1902
Propulsion	Sail
Number of Masts	0
Length / Breadth / Depth	199.9 Feet / 37.1 Feet / 24.4 Feet
History
Built Date	1875
Built Port / Country	Quebec / Canada
Registration Port / Country	Sydney / Australia
Former Details of Registration	1897 Howard Smith & Co Ltd 1902 Australian Steamships Ltd 25 January 1917
Details	The wooden barque was towed into Melbourne from Fremantle in 1902. Licence to operate as a coal/wool lighter issued by Melbourne Harbor Trust to owners, Howard Smith & Co. Ltd. Renewed 1 June 1916. New owner Australian Steamships Ltd 25 January 1917 - licence renewed 12 February 1918. Captain Forbes purchased the hulk in 1925, together with paddle steamer Ozone, to act as breakwater for small craft. Scheme failed when vandals set fire to Dominion, and Ozone did not settle in correct position. Register closed November 1921. Originally a wool ship, then Newcastle coal hulk. Site was inspected during February 1993, extensive hull remains, however close proximity to the wreck of the OZONE makes identification of all wreck material difficult. Interesting material inshore from main body of wreck, consisting of Fishplate and two copper alloy fittings possible gudgeons/pintels. Material most likely associated with keel/stern structure. Vessel appears to have iron rider on all frames. Remains of mast on site. No machinery present. No artefact material other than ship fastenings noted.
Voyage Details
Date Lost	1925
Owner	Captain Forbes
Cause of Loss	Vandals set fire to Dominion (UID 93) Scuttled as a breakwater
Further Details
Number of Passengers	0
Number of Crew Members	0