Interactive Shipwreck Map
Click on the Shipwreck locations to learn about each unique site and explore the mystery unlocked through Maritime Archaeology and History
The Thistle
The Thistle was an iron two masted Schooner built in 1839. It sunk in 1859 when it hit the Port Albert bar after running out of coal to power the engines. The passengers and crew where saved by other boats after spending the night in the bridge to stay out of the water. Below are real photos of the shipwreck taken by underwater explorers helping Maritime Archaeologists.
The Wave
The Wave was a wooden sailing Schooner built in 1859. It was forced to anchor in a severe gale near the entrance of Port Albert. The anchor cable broke and the Wave was driven onto the sand bank where it broke up and sank. We still need Maritime Archaeology explorers to take underwater photos...
The Clonmel
The Clonmel was a wooden Paddle Steamer built in 1836. It was one of the first steam powered vessels on the Australian coast. It wrecked after hitting the bank of Clonmel Island on its third voyage in 1841 due to heavy fog. The crew survived but the cargo was lost. It is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Victoria. A cannon raised from the Clonmel can be seen at the Port Albert Maritime Museum. The real photos below were taken by underwater explorers helping Maritime Archaeologists.
The Dew Drop
The Dew Drop was built in 1833. In its long career, it was classified as a Brig, a Brigantine, and a Schooner. It transported livestock between Port Albert and Hobart, as much as 40 cows and 300 sheep in one trip. The Dew Drop ran aground on the Port Albert bar in 1849 with a full cargo of livestock. With the help of another Schooner, cattle and sheep and the crew were rescued. We still need Maritime Archaeology explorers to take underwater photos...
The Blackbird
The Blackbird was an iron steam powered three masted Barque built in 1863 and used for transporting coal to the growing city of Melbourne. It ran aground in 1878 on the Port Albert bar due to a navigation error made by the captain. The passengers and crew were rescued by two brave young people, the Smith brothers aged 13 and 16 who used their father's boat to help everyone to safety. Below are real photos of the Blackbird shipwreck taken by underwater explorers helping Maritime Archaeologists.
