It’s unusual to commemorate the anniversary of a shipwreck, but as someone with an interest in history I’m strongly in favor of anything like that.
One hundred and fifty years ago today the SS Admella ran aground on Carpenters Reef near Mount Gambier.
Over the next eight days, 89 people lost their lives, but miraculously, about 24 survived, most of them hanging onto the wreck in raging winter seas. There was little food and no water and many acts of heroism.
The coast between here and Warrnambool is renowned for shipwrecks.
Having visited the Warrnambool Museum, it was explained there that ship’s captains were unable to accurately ascertain latitude in those days when the sun was not visible, which was the case most of the time in winter.
They relied on eyesight, which at night or in fog was obviously unreliable.
After streaming across from southern Africa in the roaring 40s they had come towards the Australian mainland, often not knowing when they would strike it.
So why single out one shipwreck of hundreds to commemorate?
There were some wonderful acts of heroism and survival.
Also, the Admella was significant because it marked the first notable example of cross-border co-operation between the self-governing colonies of Victoria and South Australia.
The shipwreck occurred in South Australian waters, but it was a rescue party from Portland in Victoria that was first to assist the survivors.
Festival events began today with a ceremony at Carpenter Rocks. The festival continues across the South East of South Australia and Western Victoria until August 16.
We’ll be taking the kids to see the Navy Band parade down Commercial Street on Saturday. Juliet and I are also attending the commemoration dinner on Saturday night.
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