HOLYHEAD

Location Lonsdale Reef, Port Phillip heads VHR Number S326 Date lost 12/02/1890 Year of construction 1889 Official number 96831

Statement of Significance

Physical Description
Construction Material	Iron
Rig	Barque
Hull Details	2 decks, 1 part iron; 1 bulkhead cemented; poop deck 37';forecastle 36'; moulded depth 26'3"; freeboard amidships5'7-1/2". Special survey Lloyd's A1.
Propulsion	Sail
Number of Masts	4
Length / Breadth / Depth	294.0 Feet / 42.0 Feet / 24.5 Feet
History
Builder	R. J. Evans & Co
Built Date	1889
Built Port / Country	Liverpool / England
Registration Port / Country	Liverpool / England
Details	The Holyhead was on its maiden voyage, a new A1 classified ship intended for the India trade. After an uneventful voyage from Liverpool, the Holyhead was wrecked about 3.30 pm very near the George Roper wreck. The ship had signalled unsuccessfully for a pilot, and eventually ran in towards land. Warned by lookout, missed stays, anchors let go, but struck and jammed on reef. Within 10 minutes 7 ft of water was in hold. The lookout station at Queenscliff summoned a lifeboat which in heavy swell against tide reached wreck at 4.45pm. Two trips removed the crew except for two who stayed on board. At the time of wreck the first mate, who had never been to the port before, was in charge. Claimed Admiralty-certified chart on board (later lost) did not have the reef marked opposite Point Lonsdale. Court of Marine Inquiry found Capt. Williams guilty of gross misconduct. One charge was not being on deck when vessel so close to land. Certificate suspended for 2 years, fined 20 pounds. First Mate John Roberts' Certificate suspended for 18 months, 10 pound fine. Vessel valued at 25,000 pounds; cargo at 60,000 pounds.
Voyage Details
Date Lost	12/02/1890
Voyage	from Liverpool to Melbourne
Cargo	1000 tons of iron rails, 1000 tons of slates, liquor, spirits, general cargo to the value of 60, 000 pounds (UID 9). Fishplates, pipes, bars, chemicals, crockery, softgoods, beer in bulk and bottle (UID 9)
Owner	W. Thomas & Co
Master of Vessel	Captain Thomas Williams
Weather conditions	Thick; Wind SE; heavy seas
Cause of Loss	Signalled unsuccessfully for pilot, ran in towards land. Warned by lookout, missed stays, anchors let go, but struck and jammed on reef.
Further Details
Number of Passengers	0
Number of Crew Members	32
Comments on Crew Members	Including 1 with dropsy. John Roberts (First Mate), David Jones, Owen Owens (second officer), Levital Mark, Albert Griffiths, John Hughes, John RIchard Jones (acting 3rd mate)