ELIZA RAMSDEN

Location

South Channel, Port Phillip

VHR Number

S220

Date lost

24/07/1875

Year of construction

1874

Official number

64793

Statement of Significance

The Eliza Ramsden, with its intact clipper bow, is one of Victoria's most aethestically spectacular shipwreck sites, and thus has both recreational and educational significance. It is archaeologically significant as relics of cultural significance, including a small ship's bell, have been found on the site.

Physical Description

Construction Material Iron

Rig Barque

Hull Details Raised quarter deck 30' long 1 deck and a break; round stern; clincher built; demi-woman figurehead; no galleries.

Propulsion Sail

Number of Masts 3

Length / Breadth / Depth 151.6 Feet / 27.0 Feet / 15.0 Feet

History

Builder Barclay Curle & Co

Built Date 1874

Built Port / Country Whiteinch, Glasgow / Scotland

Registration Number No. 28 of 1874

Registration Port / Country Melbourne / Australia

Details
The Eliza Ramsden was regarded as the finest vessel of the Port of Melbourne in 1875, built to order by S. Ramsden at a cost of Ł10,000, and named after his wife. The vessel was badly damaged in 1875 when it ran aground and was trapped on Corsair Rock on its voyage from Melbourne to Newcastle. The owner's son was the only passenger aboard with the 13 crew. The ship was evacuated by a lifeboat sent by the steam tug Warhawk when it was assessed that it would go down once the tide rose. Most personal effects were left on board. When the tide rose, the vessel floated off Corsair Rock and eventually sunk in the South Channel. It was being sailed by a skeleton crew consisting of the cutter Ben Bolt's captain, Richard Legget and two passing fishermen, Shapter and Batchellor, who were attempting to bring it to Queenscliff. Dynamite was used on the wreck (when?) to clear the passage for larger vessels. Capt. Steuart, although highly regarded, was found guilty of negligence and his certificate was cancelled for six months. The auctioneer reluctantly knocked down the wreck to him for Ł1000. The lifeboat superintendent claimed Steuart's desertion of vessel was premature. The captain and crew lost most of personal effects.

Voyage Details

Date Lost 24/07/1875

Voyage from Melbourne to Newcastle

Cargo
Ballast

Owner Samuel Ramsden, Melbourne

Master of Vessel Capt Steuart

Weather conditions
slack tide

Cause of Loss
Struck Corsair Rock and later sank in South Channel, Port Philip. Didn't notice Queenscliff lights (UID 152). Captain went below & had mis-judged position (UID 152). Found negligent in navigating his vessel (UID 9, 152

Further Details

Number of Passengers 1

Comments on Passenger
Ramsden Jnr

Number of Crew Members 14

Physical Description
Construction Material	Iron
Rig	Barque
Hull Details	Raised quarter deck 30' long 1 deck and a break; round stern; clincher built; demi-woman figurehead; no galleries.
Propulsion	Sail
Number of Masts	3
Length / Breadth / Depth	151.6 Feet / 27.0 Feet / 15.0 Feet

Builder	Barclay Curle & Co
Built Date	1874
Built Port / Country	Whiteinch, Glasgow / Scotland
Registration Number	No. 28 of 1874
Registration Port / Country	Melbourne / Australia
Details	The Eliza Ramsden was regarded as the finest vessel of the Port of Melbourne in 1875, built to order by S. Ramsden at a cost of Ł10,000, and named after his wife. The vessel was badly damaged in 1875 when it ran aground and was trapped on Corsair Rock on its voyage from Melbourne to Newcastle. The owner's son was the only passenger aboard with the 13 crew. The ship was evacuated by a lifeboat sent by the steam tug Warhawk when it was assessed that it would go down once the tide rose. Most personal effects were left on board. When the tide rose, the vessel floated off Corsair Rock and eventually sunk in the South Channel. It was being sailed by a skeleton crew consisting of the cutter Ben Bolt's captain, Richard Legget and two passing fishermen, Shapter and Batchellor, who were attempting to bring it to Queenscliff. Dynamite was used on the wreck (when?) to clear the passage for larger vessels. Capt. Steuart, although highly regarded, was found guilty of negligence and his certificate was cancelled for six months. The auctioneer reluctantly knocked down the wreck to him for Ł1000. The lifeboat superintendent claimed Steuart's desertion of vessel was premature. The captain and crew lost most of personal effects.


Date Lost	24/07/1875
Voyage	from Melbourne to Newcastle
Cargo	Ballast
Owner	Samuel Ramsden, Melbourne
Master of Vessel	Capt Steuart
Weather conditions	slack tide
Cause of Loss	Struck Corsair Rock and later sank in South Channel, Port Philip. Didn't notice Queenscliff lights (UID 152). Captain went below & had mis-judged position (UID 152). Found negligent in navigating his vessel (UID 9, 152

Number of Passengers	1
Comments on Passenger	Ramsden Jnr
Number of Crew Members	14

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