S.S. KANOWNA
LocationTwelve miles SW Cleft Island, Wilsons Promontory VHR NumberS389 Date lost18/02/1929 Year of construction1903 Official number114743 |
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Statement of Significance
The Kanowna was one of the first large steamers to appear in Australia after Federation and allowed the AUSNCo to properly compete with large overseas companies such as P&O. It played a distinguished role in Australia's war effort in World War I and illustrates aspects of the growth and decline of coastal shipping of Australia in the early 20th century. It is archaeologically significant as it sank with all cargo and is likely to be intact.
| Physical Description | |
|---|---|
| Hull Details | 3 decks, rigged as fore and aft schooner, elliptical stern, clincher built. First Class accommodated on Upper and Shelter Decks. Second Class in 6 and 8 berth cabins on Upper Deck aft. Main Deck fitted to carry cattle. Part of the cargo spaces were refr |
| Propulsion | Steam - Screw |
| Engine Specification | Denny & Co. Engine No. 533 |
| Engine Builder | Quadruple expansion steam engine 2 x 23", 2 x 37.5" and 4 x 31" cylinders x 48" stroke. 375 NHP. 4 single faced boilers, 180lbs, 16 ridged furnaces, 300 square feet grate, 1185 square feet heating, refrigeration machinery. Howdens three bladed propell |
| Number of Masts | 2 |
| Length / Breadth / Depth | 415.6 Feet / 52.2 Feet / 28.6 Feet |
| History | |
| Builder | W. Denny and Brothers |
| Built Date | 1903 |
| Built Port / Country | Dumbarton / Scotland |
| Registration Number | 5 of 1921 |
| Registration Port / Country | Adelaide / Australia |
| Former Details of Registration | No. 4/1903; No. 6/1903 |
| Details |
The large interstate passenger liner SS Kanowna was built in 1903 for the Australasian United Steam Navigation Company. It had a varied career running between Australian and Asian ports, and also served as a troopship and hospital ship during World War I. The Kanowna was lost in 1929 when it ran ashore off Wilsons Promontory in foggy conditions. All on board reached safety, but the vessel was abandoned, drifted into Bass Strait and sank in deep water.
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| Voyage Details | |
| Date Lost | 18/02/1929 |
| Voyage | from Cairns, Queensland to Melbourne |
| Cargo |
Valued at $200,000, included a racehorse, three cars
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| Owner | Australasian United Steam Navigation Company |
| Weather conditions |
Fog
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| Cause of Loss |
Hit an uncharted rock during fog
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| Further Details | |
| Number of Passengers | 141 |
| Number of Crew Members | 0 |