MATILDA

Statement of Significance

Physical Description
Construction Material	Wood
Rig	Schooner
Propulsion	Sail
Number of Masts	2
Length / Breadth / Depth	55.1 Feet / 14.2 Feet / 7.0 Feet
History
Builder	John Thompson
Built Date	1846
Built Port / Country	Port Cygnet, Tasmania / Australia
Registration Port / Country	Hobart / Australia
Details	According to the Colonial Times (24 Oct 1848) the schooner Matilda was wrecked on Gabo Island following a voyage from Hobart Town for a load of guano. The vessel was blown ashore at the landing spot. However Parsons (Jan/Feb 1988) states "Press reports concerning this wreck are confusing. The Melbourne Argus reports the arrival of the JOHN BULL in Melbourne with survivors. It also reported that the ship was lost on Gabo Island. However, the Cornwall Chronicle and Hobart Advertiser reported later that month that the vessel had been lost on Babel Island in Bass Strait. Syme also reports that the vessel was lost in Bass Strait.
Voyage Details
Date Lost	09/1848
Voyage	from Hobart to Gabo Island
Cargo	Cattle. Ballast. Guano
Owner	Edward Fisher
Cause of Loss	Blown ashore while in anchorage
Further Details
Number of Passengers	0
Number of Crew Members	0