FIJI

Location

Wreck Beach, Moonlight Head

VHR Number

S259

Date lost

06/09/1891

Year of construction

1875

Official number

74478

Statement of Significance

The Fiji is archaeologically significant as the wreck of a typical 19th century international sailing ship with cargo. It is educationally and recreationally significant as one of Victoria's most spectacular historic shipwreck dive sites with structural features and remains of the cargo evident.

Physical Description

Construction Material Iron

Rig Barque

Hull Details Moulded depth 25', classified 100 A1, 2 decks, raised quarterdeck 12', forecastle 31.5', built under special survey, cemented 1875, two bulkheads. In 1875 the vessel's dimensions were 235.1 x 36.6 x 23.0

Propulsion Sail

Number of Masts 3

Length / Breadth / Depth 229.4 Feet / 36.3 Feet / 23.0 Feet

History

Builder Harland and Wolfe

Built Date 1875

Built Port / Country Belfast / Ireland

Details
The barque Fiji left Hamburg on 22nd of May 1891. The vessel went ashore at 3 am on the morning of the disaster in squally and boisterous weather soon after sighting Cape Otway. The wind had suddenly veered, and the vessel missed stays after attempting to wear ship and was driven onto the rocks. Attempts were made to launch the boats but they were swamped and dashed to pieces. Delays in getting the lifeboat and rocket apparatus to the scene resulted in 12 of the 25 crew drowning after 10 hours trapped on board. A local resident, Arthur Wilkinson, lost his life trying to save one of the crew who was struggling in the surf. Coffins were made out of the wreck timbers and the men buried on the cliff top above the wreck. The deaths precipitated critical comment in the press over the lack of prompt action. Other news items appeared claiming drunk and disorderly behaviour by plunderers amongst the corpses and wreckage on the beach. The controversy reached parliament.

Voyage Details

Date Lost 06/09/1891

Voyage from Hamburg to Melbourne

Cargo
Spirits, toys, dynamite and other general cargo. Pianos, Cigar boxes, pig iron, dynamite, bitters, spirits, matches, furniture, glass, paper, chemicals, steel and iron wire, hardware, sewing machine, nails, bottles, jute, colour, toys, mouldings, china, woodware, pencils, dolls, cement, starch, candles, glucose, oil, grease, lampware, brassware, artist supplies, porcelain, brushware, tinware coke.

Owner W.J. Mayers, Son & Co.

Master of Vessel Capt. Vickers

Weather conditions
Squally, thick

Cause of Loss
The Fiji left Hamburg on 22nd May. The vessel went ashore at 3.00am on the morning of the disaster after squally and boisterous weather soon after siting Cape Otway. The wind had suddenly veered, and the vessel missed stays after attempting to wear ship and was driven onto the rocks. Attempts were made to launch the boats but they were swamped and dashed to pieces. Delays in getting the lifeboat and the apparatus to the scene resulted in 12 of the 25 crew drowning after 10 hours trapped on board.

Further Details

Number of Passengers 0

Number of Crew Members 0

Physical Description
Construction Material	Iron
Rig	Barque
Hull Details	Moulded depth 25', classified 100 A1, 2 decks, raised quarterdeck 12', forecastle 31.5', built under special survey, cemented 1875, two bulkheads. In 1875 the vessel's dimensions were 235.1 x 36.6 x 23.0
Propulsion	Sail
Number of Masts	3
Length / Breadth / Depth	229.4 Feet / 36.3 Feet / 23.0 Feet

Builder	Harland and Wolfe
Built Date	1875
Built Port / Country	Belfast / Ireland
Details	The barque Fiji left Hamburg on 22nd of May 1891. The vessel went ashore at 3 am on the morning of the disaster in squally and boisterous weather soon after sighting Cape Otway. The wind had suddenly veered, and the vessel missed stays after attempting to wear ship and was driven onto the rocks. Attempts were made to launch the boats but they were swamped and dashed to pieces. Delays in getting the lifeboat and rocket apparatus to the scene resulted in 12 of the 25 crew drowning after 10 hours trapped on board. A local resident, Arthur Wilkinson, lost his life trying to save one of the crew who was struggling in the surf. Coffins were made out of the wreck timbers and the men buried on the cliff top above the wreck. The deaths precipitated critical comment in the press over the lack of prompt action. Other news items appeared claiming drunk and disorderly behaviour by plunderers amongst the corpses and wreckage on the beach. The controversy reached parliament.


Date Lost	06/09/1891
Voyage	from Hamburg to Melbourne
Cargo	Spirits, toys, dynamite and other general cargo. Pianos, Cigar boxes, pig iron, dynamite, bitters, spirits, matches, furniture, glass, paper, chemicals, steel and iron wire, hardware, sewing machine, nails, bottles, jute, colour, toys, mouldings, china, woodware, pencils, dolls, cement, starch, candles, glucose, oil, grease, lampware, brassware, artist supplies, porcelain, brushware, tinware coke.
Owner	W.J. Mayers, Son & Co.
Master of Vessel	Capt. Vickers
Weather conditions	Squally, thick
Cause of Loss	The Fiji left Hamburg on 22nd May. The vessel went ashore at 3.00am on the morning of the disaster after squally and boisterous weather soon after siting Cape Otway. The wind had suddenly veered, and the vessel missed stays after attempting to wear ship and was driven onto the rocks. Attempts were made to launch the boats but they were swamped and dashed to pieces. Delays in getting the lifeboat and the apparatus to the scene resulted in 12 of the 25 crew drowning after 10 hours trapped on board.

Number of Passengers	0
Number of Crew Members	0

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