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PJ Clarkson writes of Melbourne, Australia writes:
I am a member of an amateur wreck diving group based in Melbourne, Australia.
We are currently researching the wreck of the SS Coogee, trying to document as detailed a history as possible, followed up by a series of dives on the current wreck site to photograph and map the current status of the ship.
Tracing the history of this ship since she arrived in Australia in 1887 has proved to be relatively easy (due no doubt to our proximity to the source), however I am very interested in her early days, when she was originally
known as the SS Lancashire Witch.
All that I have been able to find out about this early stage of her history is the following:
The SS Coogee was originally built to sail between Liverpool and the Isle of Man and was the known as the Lancashire Witch. When the ship's British owner became bankrupt in 1888, well known Melbourne ship owners Huddart Parker Ltd, bought the steamer to sail between Melbourne and Geelong.
A triple expansion engine capable of generating 250hp propelled the steamer. Its three cylinders had diameters of 23 inches, 37 inches and 60 inches and with a cylinder stroke of 36 inches.
The SS Coogee was built in Sunderland UK. By British builders J.L.Thompson and sons and measured 225ft(68.5m) in length, 30.2ft(9.1m) in width and 13.5ft(7.1m) in depth. The ship had a gross tonnage of 762 tons.
I know that this is not really the area of your group, but I was wondering as enthusiasts if you would maybe be able to point me in the right direction to discover more about the history of this Liverpool, Isle of Man Steam
Ship. I am looking to find out detailed information surrounding her commission, information about the shipyard, original owners, original crews, who brought her across to Australia.
Thank you very much for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you if you are able to help at all.
yours sincerely,
PJ Clarkson.
If you can help email Peter at [email protected] |
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