NEWFIELD

Location

Newfield, one mile east of Curdies River

VHR Number

S488

Date lost

29/08/1892

Year of construction

1889

Official number

96316

Statement of Significance

Physical Description

Construction Material Iron

Rig Barque

Hull Details 1 bulkhead, cemented, 1 deck iron, 2 tiers beams constructed on clipper lines iron and steel frame and plates Poop 29', forecastle 33', character 100A1 in 1890, Special Survey, iron frame, steel plating, 1 bulkhead, cemented, 1 iron deck, 2 tiers of beam

Propulsion Sail

Number of Masts 3

Length / Breadth / Depth 0.0 Feet / 0.0 Feet / 0.0 Feet

History

Builder Stephen & Son

Built Date 1889

Built Port / Country Dundee / Scotland

Details
Mistook Cape Otway Light for one on King Island The Newfield had left on 28th May from Sharpness. Exceptionally rough weather had been encountered and hurricanes and storms after the Cape of Good Hope. The Cape Otway light was sighted in squally, bumpy weather, but the captain was under the impression it was the King Island light. The ships chronometers were wrong. Orders were given to tack the ship away from the light, which headed it straight for the cliffs of the Victorian coast. The vessel struck rocks about 100 yards from shore, and 5' of water filled the holds immediately. The captain gave orders to lower the boats which caused a disorganised scramble for safety among the crew. The panic resulted in the deaths of 9 men including the captain when they drowned after the boats capsized in heavy seas. The 17 men who regained the ship decided to wait until daylight, and rowed to Peterborough in the ships jollyboat and gig when locals failed to secure a rocket apparatus line to the ship. The Marine Board inquiry found the wreck was caused by a "one man style of navigation" and that the Captain had not heeded the advice of his crew.

Voyage Details

Date Lost 29/08/1892

Voyage from Sharpness to Brisbane

Cargo
Fine rock salt. 1850 tons

Owner 1890: Newfield Ship Company,1890: Brownells& Co

Master of Vessel Captain George Scott

Cause of Loss
Navigational error when Cape Otway light was mistaken for King Island lighthouse

Further Details

Number of Passengers 0

Number of Crew Members 26

Physical Description
Construction Material	Iron
Rig	Barque
Hull Details	1 bulkhead, cemented, 1 deck iron, 2 tiers beams constructed on clipper lines iron and steel frame and plates Poop 29', forecastle 33', character 100A1 in 1890, Special Survey, iron frame, steel plating, 1 bulkhead, cemented, 1 iron deck, 2 tiers of beam
Propulsion	Sail
Number of Masts	3
Length / Breadth / Depth	0.0 Feet / 0.0 Feet / 0.0 Feet

Builder	Stephen & Son
Built Date	1889
Built Port / Country	Dundee / Scotland
Details	Mistook Cape Otway Light for one on King Island The Newfield had left on 28th May from Sharpness. Exceptionally rough weather had been encountered and hurricanes and storms after the Cape of Good Hope. The Cape Otway light was sighted in squally, bumpy weather, but the captain was under the impression it was the King Island light. The ships chronometers were wrong. Orders were given to tack the ship away from the light, which headed it straight for the cliffs of the Victorian coast. The vessel struck rocks about 100 yards from shore, and 5' of water filled the holds immediately. The captain gave orders to lower the boats which caused a disorganised scramble for safety among the crew. The panic resulted in the deaths of 9 men including the captain when they drowned after the boats capsized in heavy seas. The 17 men who regained the ship decided to wait until daylight, and rowed to Peterborough in the ships jollyboat and gig when locals failed to secure a rocket apparatus line to the ship. The Marine Board inquiry found the wreck was caused by a "one man style of navigation" and that the Captain had not heeded the advice of his crew.


Date Lost	29/08/1892
Voyage	from Sharpness to Brisbane
Cargo	Fine rock salt. 1850 tons
Owner	1890: Newfield Ship Company,1890: Brownells& Co
Master of Vessel	Captain George Scott
Cause of Loss	Navigational error when Cape Otway light was mistaken for King Island lighthouse

Number of Passengers	0
Number of Crew Members	26

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