BATMAN

Location

Ships Graveyard, Commonwealth Area No.3, Bass Strait

VHR Number

S65

Date lost

20/05/1935

Year of construction

1883

Statement of Significance

The vessel is historically significant as part of the Victorian Colonial Navy and its role in the defence and protection of Victoria.

Physical Description  
Rig Barge
Hull Details Armed hopper barge. Fitted with a magazine. Armour plating over engineroom.
Engine Builder 350 HP steam engine
Length / Breadth / Depth 154.0 Feet / 26.0 Feet / 10.0 Feet
History  
Builder .
Built Date 1883
Built Port / Country Portsmouth / England
Registration Port / Country Melbourne / Australia
Details
The armed steam hopper barge Batman and its sister ship Fawkner were operated by the Melbourne Harbour Trust, and added to the Victorian Colonial Navy in 1883 as naval auxiliary vessels. Both the Batman and Fawkner were first armed in 1885 with one six inch gun and two Nordenfelt machine guns, and their engine rooms were protected with armour plating. After 52 years of service, the Batman was scuttled in the ships' graveyard in 1935. VHR: Although its main function was that of a dredge, SS Batman was also an element of the Victorian navy.
Voyage Details  
Date Lost 20/05/1935
Voyage from Melbourne to Ships Graveyard
Cargo
None
Owner Melbourne Harbour Trust Commissioners
Master of Vessel None at time of scuttling
Cause of Loss
Scuttled
Further Details  
Number of Passengers 0
Number of Crew Members 0

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