Name Geltwood Maiden voyage 23 March 1876 Length 66 m | Route Liverpool - Melbourne Launched 18 January 1876 Tonnage 958,000 kg | |
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Owner John Sprott of Harrington U.K Port of registry Workington, Cumberland U.K Builder R.Williamson & Sons shipyard at Harrington | ||
Geltwood
The Geltwood was an iron hulled barque that was shipwrecked on or about 14 June 1876 during a storm on a remote stretch of the south east coast of South Australia. Nearing the completion of her maiden voyage from Liverpool bound for Melbourne the ship struck a reef, capsized and broke up. The wreck 37°37′36″S 140°10′51″E occurred 1.6 km from shore near the northern end of Lake Bonney and 16 km south-east of Southend.
Contents
Of the 31 passengers and crew there were no survivors. It wasn't until 5 July that the fate of the ship became known to authorities.
Looters
The events surrounding Geltwood are made infamous by reports of looting by some locals. The wreck was not reported to the police for two weeks, and in that time a number of people stole equipment and belongings that were washed ashore. A trial was held in Millicent which resulted in the acquittal of two men on the grounds they didn't know looting a shipwreck was a crime.
Relics
One of the Geltwood anchors can be viewed in Southend at a lookout on Cape Buffon drive. It is a memorial to those who have perished at sea, including local amateur and professional fishermen who have lost their lives at sea.
Another anchor and memorabilia can be viewed at the Millicent Living History Museum. Some Geltwood artifacts are also displayed in the Beachport museum.
Video
A video of the remains of the Geltwood can be seen on Ozdiverdowns' YouTube at