Reef of Despair: The Story of the SS Admella

Description

Reef of Despair is the comprehensive story of the steamship SS Admella, from her launch in Glasgow, her maiden voyage under sail to South Australia, to her tragic demise less than two years later on 6 August 1859, with the loss of 89 lives, including many children. The book also commemorates the brave endeavours of the rescuers.

Of a total complement of 113 passengers and crew, only 24 survived, rescued eight days after the ship struck a then uncharted reef, now known as Carpenters Reef, about 20 km north-west of Cape Northumberland, and 4 km north-west of Cape Banks.

Within 15 minutes, the Admella had broken into three sections. For those on board it was the beginning of a horrific week, in mid-winter, at the mercy of the elements, as they clung desperately to the remains of the wreck with pounding surf washing over them, or slipped to their death from cold and exhaustion.

They could see the shore but could not reach it. Several tried and were either drowned or washed out to sea. Two seamen eventually made it to shore the following day on a make-shift raft and then walked all night the 20 miles to the Cape Northumberland lighthouse to raise the alarm.