Sinking of the SS AUSTRAL 1882

This photograph is from a black and white 120 format film negative strip featuring several images. Most of the images in the same collection are from the PC Poulsen studio. The original photograh was taken by John Paine.

 

This image depicts the Orient liner AUSTRAL, almost sunk. All that can be seen are the tops of the masts and many small life boats beside it. In the background are two other vessels and in the foreground is a steam powered vessel towing a dinghy. The vessel sank while loading coal in Neutral Bay in 1882 with the loss of five lives. AUSTRAL was sucessfully refloated and went on to make the round trip from England to Australia for the next 22 years.

 

The Australian National Maritime Museum undertakes research and accepts public comments that enhance the information we hold about images in our collection. If you can identify a person, vessel or landmark, write the details in the Comments box below.

 

Thank you for helping caption this important historical image.

 

Object number: 00048193

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