Fleurieu Shipwrecks

Fleurieu Shipwrecks is a record of many of the shipwrecks that occurred along the Fleurieu coast from 1836 to the early twentieth century. The people of the Fleurieu Peninsula relied on sail-and later steam-powered-vessels to transport themselves, livestock, produce, and freight to and from the many small coastal communities. From Port Noarlunga to Port Elliot, these vessels connected the region’s inhabitants to the rest of Australia and the wider world. From the loss of the South Australian at Rosetta Head, the colony’s first officially recorded shipwreck, to the most infamous wreck, the iron clipper Star of Greece at Port Willunga, the area possesses a rich and varied nautical history. Not every wreck resulted in a total loss; many vessels were repaired and went on to have long and varied careers. The story of each vessel is also the story of the people connected to its building, operation, and wrecking. Many lives once lost to history are brought back to life. Fleurieu Shipwrecks is as much a social history of South Australia as it is a record of accidents, resilience, life, and loss. Vessels included in the book are Adonis, Agenora, Albatross, Alice Martin, Alpha, Arrow, Atholl, Commodore, Cowry, Dart, David Witton, Eclair, Emu, Expert, Flying Fish, Glenelg, Good Intent, Grenada, Guldax, Harry, Henry & Mary, Ida, Industry, John Pirie, Josephine L’Oiseau, Lady Fergusson, Lapwing, Lord Roberts, Lurline, Maid of the Valley, Man-Hou, Mary, Mary Grant, Nashwauk, O.G., Oriana, Polly, Ranger, Rose, Sans Pareille, South Australian, Solway, SS Ellen, SS Sorata, St Vincent, Swordfish, Thistle, Tigress, Trader, Unknown, Vanquish, Wanderer, and William.