ISABELLA

Location

Cape Nelson, Portland

VHR Number

S342

Date lost

31/03/1837

Year of construction

1826

Official number

None

Statement of Significance

The Isabella is historically significant as Victoria s oldest located shipwreck site. It is also significant for its association with early trade with the colony of South Australia.

Physical Description

Construction Material Wood

Rig Barque

Propulsion Sail

Number of Masts 3

Length / Breadth / Depth 89.7 Feet / 24.0 Feet / 16.5 Feet

History

Built Date 1826

Built Port / Country South Town, Yarmouth / UK

Registration Number 1/1837

Registration Port / Country Launceston / Australia

Details
The ISABELLA had arrived in Australia (Hobart Town) from London with a cargo of sheep on 11 February 1837, the ship sailed to Launceston on 22 February and arrived on 8 March 1837. The vessel was reported wrecked at Cape Nelson on 30 March 1837 whilst on a voyage from Launceston to Adelaide with livestock. Syme states that vessel went ashore at Cape Northumberland. McKenzie reports that the vessel was wrecked on the eastern side of Cape Nelson. Captain Hart, an experienced Captain and familiar with the coast, mistook Lady Julia Percy Island for Cape Nelson and set course up the coast. The ship sailed straight into the cliffs. After a number of attempts the ships boats were launched and the 25 passengers and crew managed to get to Portland Bay. One of the passengers travelling with his family John Jones Pearce (Peers?) was a master builder. A descendant of his advises he was commissioned to do the Melbourne Customs House and the base foundations for the 1st Methodist church on the corner of Little Collins and Swanston St.

Uses of Vessel

Primary Use Transport

Secondary Use Passenger - Coastal; Cargo - Coastal

Voyage Details

Date Lost 31/03/1837

Voyage from George Town, Tasmania to St Vincents Bluff/ Gulf of St Vincent, Adelaide, South Australia

Cargo
Livestock (mostly cattle)

Owner Michael Connolly and John Griffiths.

Master of Vessel Captain John Hart

Weather conditions
Weather: SE.

Cause of Loss
Navigational error - crashed into high cliffs near Portland.

Further Details

Number of Passengers 25

Comments on Passenger
John Jones Pearce Mrs Pearce Sarah Pearce (?) Edward Pearce (5yo) Pearces servant

Number of Crew Members 0

Comments on Crew Members
John Jones Pearce, Mrd Pearce, Sarah Pearce, Edward Pearce(5yo) and their servant (un-named)

Physical Description
Construction Material	Wood
Rig	Barque
Propulsion	Sail
Number of Masts	3
Length / Breadth / Depth	89.7 Feet / 24.0 Feet / 16.5 Feet

Built Date	1826
Built Port / Country	South Town, Yarmouth / UK
Registration Number	1/1837
Registration Port / Country	Launceston / Australia
Details	The ISABELLA had arrived in Australia (Hobart Town) from London with a cargo of sheep on 11 February 1837, the ship sailed to Launceston on 22 February and arrived on 8 March 1837. The vessel was reported wrecked at Cape Nelson on 30 March 1837 whilst on a voyage from Launceston to Adelaide with livestock. Syme states that vessel went ashore at Cape Northumberland. McKenzie reports that the vessel was wrecked on the eastern side of Cape Nelson. Captain Hart, an experienced Captain and familiar with the coast, mistook Lady Julia Percy Island for Cape Nelson and set course up the coast. The ship sailed straight into the cliffs. After a number of attempts the ships boats were launched and the 25 passengers and crew managed to get to Portland Bay. One of the passengers travelling with his family John Jones Pearce (Peers?) was a master builder. A descendant of his advises he was commissioned to do the Melbourne Customs House and the base foundations for the 1st Methodist church on the corner of Little Collins and Swanston St.

Primary Use	Transport
Secondary Use	Passenger - Coastal; Cargo - Coastal

Date Lost	31/03/1837
Voyage	from George Town, Tasmania to St Vincents Bluff/ Gulf of St Vincent, Adelaide, South Australia
Cargo	Livestock (mostly cattle)
Owner	Michael Connolly and John Griffiths.
Master of Vessel	Captain John Hart
Weather conditions	Weather: SE.
Cause of Loss	Navigational error - crashed into high cliffs near Portland.

Number of Passengers	25
Comments on Passenger	John Jones Pearce Mrs Pearce Sarah Pearce (?) Edward Pearce (5yo) Pearces servant
Number of Crew Members	0
Comments on Crew Members	John Jones Pearce, Mrd Pearce, Sarah Pearce, Edward Pearce(5yo) and their servant (un-named)

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