On 6 August 1859, 167 years ago, the new steamer Admella, less than two years after her maiden voyage, was wrecked on a then uncharted reef now known as Carpenters Reef, about 30 km north-west of Cape Northumberland and 4 km north-west of Cape Banks. This was South Australia’s worst maritime disaster, with the loss of 89 lives, including many children, and one of the rescuers.
Of a total complement of 113 passengers and crew, only 25 survived, rescued eight days later after a horrific week of rescue attempts in appallingly rough wintry conditions.
The iron-hulled SS Admella, of 209 net tons, departed Port Adelaide at 5.30 am on Friday 5 August, bound for Melbourne, under command of experienced Captain Hugh McEwan. He had taken her on this route many times before. Also on board were six horses including three thoroughbreds entered in the Champion Sweepstakes in Melbourne (forerunner to the Melbourne Cup), being transported in makeshift stalls on the deck.
After leaving the shelter of Kangaroo Island they were confronted with the first heavy swells from the Southern Ocean, and one of the horses had fallen in its stall. So, the captain altered course to face the south-west swells head-on while the horse was righted, then the ship resumed its previous course.
New book – Reef of Despair: The wreck of the SS Admella – out soon. Check out Freestyle Publications’ website – www.freestylepublications.com.au – for details and timeline.