WILL O THE WISP

Location

William Sand, West Channel, Port Phillip

VHR Number

S727

Date lost

08/10/1853

Year of construction

1840

Statement of Significance

The Will O' The Wisp is archaeologically and technically significant as the wreck of an opium clipper schooner, i.e. representative of a particular type or design. As the wreck lies in only two to three metres depth, there is good potential for access to the snorkelling and diving public to interpret the site. The wreck is substantially intact, and stands above the seabed, with many artefacts still visible in situ.

*There is a 100m diameter Protected Zone around Will O' The Wisp centred on position -38.241498 , 144.701159 WGS84. No entry is permitted unless a Permit has been authorised by Heritage Victoria. Will O' The Wisp is within the Swan Island Department of Defence prohibited area. Additional authorisation from the Department of Defence is needed.*

Physical Description

Construction Material Wood

Rig Schooner

Propulsion Sail

Number of Masts 2

Length / Breadth / Depth 76.0 Feet / 18.0 Feet / 10.5 Feet

History

Built Date 1840

Built Port / Country Liverpool / England

Details
The Will O' the Wisp was an armed clipper schooner built especially for the opium trade, which it entered in 1842. As steamers displaced fast sailing vessels it went into the Pacific-Honolulu trade. In 1852-53 it engaged in intercolonial trading between New Zealand, Launceston and Melbourne during the Gold Rush. It was totally wrecked on 8 October 1853 with a cargo of timber, bricks and potatoes from Auckland to Melbourne after running onto the eastern side of the West Channel in Port Phillip Bay. The captain and the crew were rescued and taken to Melbourne aboard the SS Hellaspont (or the Wanderer?). The master was also the owner of the ship and its cargo.

Voyage Details

Date Lost 08/10/1853

Voyage from Auckland to Melbourne

Cargo
Timber, bricks, potatoes

Master of Vessel R. Highat

Weather conditions
Weather NW force 2 clear.

Cause of Loss
Struck sand bank

Further Details

Number of Passengers 0

Number of Crew Members 0

Physical Description
Construction Material	Wood
Rig	Schooner
Propulsion	Sail
Number of Masts	2
Length / Breadth / Depth	76.0 Feet / 18.0 Feet / 10.5 Feet

Built Date	1840
Built Port / Country	Liverpool / England
Details	The Will O' the Wisp was an armed clipper schooner built especially for the opium trade, which it entered in 1842. As steamers displaced fast sailing vessels it went into the Pacific-Honolulu trade. In 1852-53 it engaged in intercolonial trading between New Zealand, Launceston and Melbourne during the Gold Rush. It was totally wrecked on 8 October 1853 with a cargo of timber, bricks and potatoes from Auckland to Melbourne after running onto the eastern side of the West Channel in Port Phillip Bay. The captain and the crew were rescued and taken to Melbourne aboard the SS Hellaspont (or the Wanderer?). The master was also the owner of the ship and its cargo.


Date Lost	08/10/1853
Voyage	from Auckland to Melbourne
Cargo	Timber, bricks, potatoes
Master of Vessel	R. Highat
Weather conditions	Weather NW force 2 clear.
Cause of Loss	Struck sand bank

Number of Passengers	0
Number of Crew Members	0

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