Eliza Ramsden (1874-1875)

In its short career, it had made only one complete voyage from England to Melbourne, on to Boston and then back to England.

The Eliza Ramsden was owned by prominent Melbourne resident the Reverend Samuel Ramsden and named after his wife. Although there are no photos or illustrations of the vessel, it was said to be the finest ship in the Port of Melbourne and cost $10,000 Pounds to build.

Today, the wreck of the Eliza Ramsden lies in the south channel and is considered to be one of the most spectacular dives in Victoria.

Although the ship has been exposed to corrosion and erosion by the sea for 116 years, and was blasted by explosives to clear its masts from the main shipping channel, parts of the ship are well preserved.

Another attraction for divers is the large number of reef fish which live around the wreck, making it a popular dive for underwater photographers.

Ships Construction

The ship was one of the early vessels to be constructed from iron. It was a three masted barque and had a round stern and a figurehead of a woman at the bow.

As the Eliza Ramsden had only one deck, it was probably built to carry cargo.The ship had a gross tonnage of 415 tons.

It measured 151 ft (46.2m) in length, 27ft (8.23m) in breadth and 15ft (4.5m) in the hold.

The Final Voyage of the Eliza Ramsden

Captain Steuart, who was in charge of the vessel, was an experienced sailor, although this was the first time he had sailed to Port Philip Bay.

On board the ship were 14 crew including the young Tom Pearce who was later to survive the tragic Loch Ard disaster. The Eliza Ramsden left Port Melbourne on the 24th July, 1875 and made its way out toward the heads.

Captain Steuart burned a blue light to attract the attension of a pilot boat to guide the ship out through the heads and pick up the son of Samuel Ramsden who wanted to be taken to Queenscliff.

No pilot boat arrived and the ship proceeded to sail out through the heads alone. As the ship appeared to be away from land and sailing well, the captain went below.

Suddenly, the Eliza Ramsden struck hard against Corsair Rock. The ebb tide swung the ship around on its side where it wedged firmly on the reef.

The ships lifeboats were made ready in case the vessel broke up. The sails were taken in and blue lights and rockets were fired into the sky to signal for assistance.

A lifeboat left Queenscliff at 9.00pm and as it pulled up alongside the Eliza Ramsden, the Superintendent observed the damage to the vessel.

Concerned that the boat was badly damaged and would drift of the reef and sink, he ordered the crew and Captain to board their lifeboats and abandon ship.

Early the next morning Captain Steuart arranged with the Master of the Warhawk tug to return to the Eliza Ramsden to see if the ship could be pulled of the reef at flood tide.

As they made their way out to Point Nepean reef, they were stopped by local fisherman who said the boat had already floated off the reef and was drifting out towards South Channel.

The fisherman had boarded the vessel to try and steer her toward Queenscliff but had not been successful as the ships rudder was severly damaged.

By the time the tug reached the Eliza Ramsden, it was too late. The vessel had taken on water and had sunk on the bottom of the sea floor at thirteen fathoms with only its top gallant masts above the water.

As a warning to other vessels, day and night lights were fixed to the masts although, they were eventually replaced by a wreck buoy to mark the site.

As shipping increased, the Eliza Ramsden became a navigational hazard and in the 1960's its masts were blown-up with explosives.

At the marine inquiry, Captain Steuart was found guilty of negligence while navigating his vessel through Port Phillip Heads.

In view of his long service and good character, his Masters licence was only suspended for six months.

The wreck of the Eliza Ramsden was auctioned at the Melbourne Shipping Exchange. The bidding reached $500 pounds before it eased off.

Captain Steuart offered $1000 pounds and the auctioneer reluctantly sold him the barque for this amount.

Check this wreck on the Shipwreck Map

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