SS Blackbird (1863-1878)

It was built in Newcastle on Tyne, but was fitted with its steam engine in Melbourne.As a new ship, the SS Blackbird made several journeys to New Zealand, later it carried cargo to east coast ports of Australia including Rockhampton.

For a short period is was also used to ferry passengers and cargo between Adelaide and Melbourne.The growth of Melbourne and development of ots industry created a need for coal to power machinery.

Victorias existing coal fields at Kilcunda and Cape patterson could not cope with the increasing demand for coal and authorities turned to Newcastle as an alternative source.Newcastle had abundant coal reserves and good facilities for ships.

From 1874 until 1878, when the vessel was wrecked, the SS Blackbird regularly made the 1000 mile journey to Newcastle, to be loaded with coal bound for Melbourne.

The Blackbird was a three masted iron screw steamer and was fitted with a twin cylinder inverted engine capable of generating 80 HP.

The engine was also equipped with a surface condenser which enabled steam to be reused. This type of engine was universally adopted by merchant services in the 1870's.

Ships Construction

When the SS Blackbird began its coal run between Newcastle and Melbourne, the ship was fitted with special coal handling machinery such as loading chutes, derricks, boilers and winches.

There was still room, however to carry a few paying passengers.

The Final Voyage of the SS Blackbird

The weather was windy with heavy squalls of rain and blowing from the south. Captain McConachy, who was in charge of the SS Blackbird, mistook the latrobe lighthouse inside the entrance to Port Albert for Wilsons Promontory lighthouse.

The ship hit a sandbar and the Captain threw the engines into reverse at full speed to back the vessel into deeper water.

He then ordered the crew to set sail and steered north to avoid a reef however, the Blackbird was heading straight towards the beach on Clonmel island. The engines were once again thrown into reverse, but the steamer struck the beach and swung side on into the breakers.

The Port Albert townsfolk soon became aware of the disaster and a whale boat was launched to rescue the crew and passengers. Four crew were collected from the SS Blackbird and ten others, who had jumped and swam to Clonmel Island were rescued from the beach.

Meanwhile the captain, and remaining crew and passengers had launched the ships lifeboat and were rowing west.

The Whale boat eventually met up with the lifeboat and its weary passengers at Rabbit Island and returned them to safety at Port Albert pier.

Captain McConachy suggested that a heavy current together with error in the compasses was the cause of the disaster.

However the Marine Court of inquiry was not convinced and the Captain was charged with reckless navigation and his licence was suspended for twelve months.

The first mate also had his licence suspended for three months.

Check this wreck on the Shipwreck Map

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