Wreck of the Sovereign On 11 March 1847, the
Sovereign was wrecked in the
South Passage off
Amity Point,
North Stradbroke Island,
Queensland with the loss of 44 lives; there were 10 survivors. While the actions of Captain Cape in the disaster were praised by the survivors, many questions were subsequently raised about the fitness of the vessel for the voyage. An inspection of the wreck showed that the planking and fastenings were not in good condition; the inner planking was described as "perfectly rotten". The engines were said to be suitable for river navigation but not for an ocean voyage to Brisbane. The storage of cargo on the deck was the direct cause of some deaths. There were no lifeboats (not being required at that time). The other concern was the use of the South Passage with its surf and shoals; while it was the shortest route from Sydney, it was not the safest entrance to
Moreton Bay.
Loss of the City of Sydney On 7 November 1862, the
City of Sydney was lost at
Green Cape, fortunately without loss of life.
Stranding of the Boomerang In 1863, the
Boomerang was stranded on the Upper Flats at
Rockhampton.
Wreck of the Telegraph In October 1866, the steamship
Telegraph was wrecked off
Cape Perpendicular.
Loss of the Auckland In June 1871, the steamer
Auckland was lost in fog off the
Ram Head.
Wreck of the Boomerang In June 1874, the
Boomerang went ashore near
King's Reef.
Stranding of the James Patterson In August 1874, the
James Patterson was stranded on
Mast Head Reef.
Wreck of the Rangatira In May 1875, the steamer
Rangatira was totally wrecked.
Fire on the Ly-ee-moon In November 1877, the
Ly-ee-moon was partly destroyed by fire.
Wreck of the Florence Irving In December 1877, the
Florence Irving was wrecked off
Port Stephens.
Stranding of the Queensland In December 1877, the
Queensland was stranded in the
Fitzroy River.
Loss of the Wotonga In January 1882, the
Wotonga was lost near
Port Macquarie. ==See also==