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GEORGE ROPER
LocationLonsdale Reef, Port Phillip Heads VHR NumberS286 Date lost04/07/1883 Year of construction1883 Official number87813 |
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Statement of Significance
The George Roper is archaeologically and historically significant as an example of a large fast international trader built especially for the Australian run. The wreck lies in 4-5 metres of water, and is accessible to recreational divers. Though it was severely broken up during its wrecking, parts of the ship remain clearly identifiable, and are a good source for public interpretation. Artefacts recovered by divers during the 1970s and 1980s are in the custody of private individuals, ... more
| Physical Description | |
|---|---|
| Construction Material | Iron |
| Rig | Barque |
| Hull Details | 1 bulk head, cemented 1883; 2 decks (1 part iron) 1;bridge deck amidships (like a steamer); cabin underthis bridge; built especially for carrying large cargo 2;last survey April 1883; anchors & chains proved |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Number of Masts | 4 |
| Length / Breadth / Depth | 301.7 Feet / 39.1 Feet / 23.6 Feet |
| History | |
| Builder | W.H. Potter & Sons |
| Built Date | 1883 |
| Built Port / Country | Liverpool / England |
| Registration Port / Country | Liverpool / England |
| Details |
On its maiden voyage from Liverpool, the four masted barque George Roper was met by headwinds at Bass Strait, about 8 miles off Port Phillip Heads, and was taken under tow by the steam tug Williams ... more |
| Voyage Details | |
| Date Lost | 04/07/1883 |
| Voyage | from Liverpool to Melbourne |
| Cargo |
Equal to 3842 tons (2390 dead weight, 1452 measured goods), 20,000 pounds worth of rails for Victorian Government (UID 1), malt and distilled liquors, chemicals and 30 tons of dynamite (UID 9). ... more |
| Owner | W.T. Dickson & Son, Liverpool |
| Master of Vessel | John Ward |
| Weather conditions |
Dense fog |
| Cause of Loss |
Was under tow by steam tug Williams about 8 miles off Port Phillip Heads, Pilot Gifford in charge. Landmarks were obscured by fog, & the pilot continued to approach heads rather than waiting for fog ... more |
| Further Details | |
| Number of Passengers | 0 |
| Number of Crew Members | 31 |
| Comments on Crew Members |
Lascar hands, white officers |