ELVIE (1900-1923)

Elvie exposed (photo Myles Mitchell)

Description:

Flat Bottomed Lighter

Owner:

Norwegian Whaling Co. used to transport barrels of whale oil to vessels in the harbour, and for ferrying supplies from Albany back to the whaling settlement

Construction:

Wood Jarrah

Sunk:

1923

Size:

length 24.5m beam 4.1m draft 1.6m

Underwater:

Though mostly buried, the tops of the wooden hull frames and the stern and bow post are visible, the bow facing to seaward. The WA Museum has excavated and recorded the site.

Built:

1900 at Kalgan River WA

Location:

Frenchman Bay, Southern end of Whaler’s Beach, Albany

Sinking:

Left at her moorings by departing Norwegians, the Elvie was driven ashore in a southeast gale in 1921 and filled with sand.

Longitude:

117.943167

Latitude:

-35.091117