The Dew Drop
This is the story of the Dew Drop. Read along and don't forget to hover or mouse over the multi media videos.
Chapter 1
A class A1 Ship!
The Dew Drop was built in 1833 in Newfoundland, a province in Northeast Canada today, but back then it was a British colony. The Dew Drop was registered as a "Brig" type vessel rated an "A1" class ship which meant it could sail anywhere in the world to deliver its cargo.
Chapter 2
Sailing The Atlantic
The Dew Drop was quickly put to work moving cargo between Atlantic Ocean ports. In 1837 the Dew Drop's owners decided to change its sails and rigging making it a "Brigantine" type of ship. Sometimes facing stormy weather and rough seas, the Dew Drop and its crew did a great job sailing and delivering cargo across the Atlantic for 13 years.
Chapter 3
Voyage to Australia
The Dew Drop now 13 years old was sold to new captains who sailed the ship on the long 5 month journey to Australia. Imagine what the passengers and crew thought the first time they saw a kangaroo! In Australia the Dew Drop became a livestock transport ship between Port Albert in Victoria and Hobart in Tasmania (Tasmania used to be called Van Diemen's Land back then). It would sometimes carry 40 cows and 300 sheep.
Chapter 4
Shipwrecked!
Captain's Log, Thursday, 18th of January, 1849:
"Early in the morning we finished loading the hull of the Dew Drop with sheep and cattle and we set out at 7 AM in fine weather. At 8 AM the wind changed direction and the ship was forced toward the sand bar. We tried to keep the ship away from danger, but we struck the sand and were pushed by the surf half way across the bar. With the tide lowering the Dew Drop was stuck fast on the bar and started taking on water. We pumped the water out furiously and waited for high tide. The Dew Drop was able to sail off the bar but by evening we were too low in the water and sinking. We set her down by Clonmel Island to save the crew and animals. The Dew Drop was lost, but using our long boat and with the help of the Schooner Wilson we were able to rescue the sheep and cows."