LocationWilliam Sand, West Channel, Port Phillip VHR NumberS727 Date lost08/10/1853 Year of construction1840 |
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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 | |
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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.
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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
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Further Details | |
Number of Passengers | 0 |
Number of Crew Members | 0 |