VENUS 1897-1923

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Description

Single screw Steamer

Construction

Timber

Size

63 tons length 22.5m beam 5.7m draft 2.1m

Built

1897 by Robert Howson, in Fremantle

Owner

F J, H J & F A Ball Master F J Ball

Sunk

1923/08/21

Location

9km South of Ledge Point

Latitude/Longitude

(-31.177941667, 115.398566667)

Sinking

En route from Fremantle (via Rottnest Island to pick up two crewmen making total of 6), to Abrolhos on a lobster fishing venture. Struck by huge seas, two crew swept overboard, and engine damaged. Gradually blown ashore.

Underwater

The wreck is almost bow on to the beach. The boiler is one of the few artefacts always visible. Due to constant filling and scouring of sand the remainder of the wreck is occasionally visible, together with frames and hull planking and a few other artefacts.

Gallery

Screw Steamer at wharf in Sydney
The Venus was damaged in 1906 after colliding with steam launch Brownie. Then in 1920 her seacocks were opened – apparently an act of sabotage. She sank but was subsequently raised.


Location