Victoria Tower (1869 - 1869)

In the latter half of the 19th century, iron hulled ships dominated shipping, particularly in Britan and Europe where builders were facing a shortage of timber.

However, the use of iron had its problems. Ships' compasses were frequently distorted by the iron's magnetic field making navigation very difficult.

Victoria Tower was thought to be an extremely attractive ship. After the vessel was wrecked, the Geelong Advertiser reported.

"One or two of the sails were still flapping in the breeze and had it not been that the forward mast had gone by the board, one could have imagined that the splendid vessel was still pursuing her course.

Certainly under full sail, she would have been a beautiful sight. Her lines were greatly admired by those having any knowledge of such subjects".

Ships Construction

The Final Voyage of Victoria Tower

The ship also carried 40 passengers and crew of 36. On the 17th October 1869, the ship almost at its destination. That night, the weather was stormy and a thick fog blanketed the coast.

Although the compasses had been out, and sightings of land were difficult to make due to the poor weather conditions, Captain Kerr was confident of the ship's position and decided to fire blue lights and rockets to attract the attention of the Port Phillip pilot boat.

With no response from the pilot, the Captain ordered the crew to maintain the ship on a starboard tack towards Cape Schank lighthouse which was only just visible in the distance.

Unknown to the Captain, treacherous currents in the area were pulling Victoria Tower off its set course.

At 1am, the ship crashed into rocks between Bream Creek and Spring Creek. The ship hit with such force that the main mast was driven through the keel.

Anchors were immediately let go to hold the ship, but it was driven broadside onto the sea, some 400 yards from shore.

The Captain ordered the second mate and four seament to lower one of the lifeboats and find help ashore. As the small boat lowered, the mainmast snapped in two.

The five crew dived out of the boat to avoid being hit by the falling timber and managed to swim ashore.

The men spent four hours walking through muddy swamps before finding a fenceline to follow. Eventually they arrived at the house of a "Mr Pierce" who together with a local fisherman, was able to raise the alarm and organise a whale boat to rescue those still on board.

The crew and passengers who remained on Victoria Tower would not have known what was to become of them. They had no idea whether the sailors made it to shore or if the ship would break-up.

Early next day, all 76 passengers and crew had been brought to safety. One of the special passengers, a dog by the name of Ben, who had become a favourite among the children during the voyage, was greeted with delight after he swam to shore.

There was great deal of excitement in Geelong as news of the shipwreck spread among the townsfold. The road to Bream Creek was apparently lined with vehicles of all descriptions and there was "not a horse of any vehicle to be obtained in town".

The Geelong Advertiser remarked at the generosity of the local people towards the shipwreck survivors."Nearly everybody carried something for the relief of the sufferers; whisky, brandy, tins of preserved meat and loaves of bread".

The sailors were also greeted with a tonic of gin, whisky and rum!An inquiry held by the Steam Navigation Board on 27th October 1869, found Captain Kerr guilty of negligence and his Captain's certificate was suspended for six months.

The Victoria Tower was originally valued at 25,000 but the hull and cargo were sold for 6,000. Most of the 2,400 tons of iron pipes, Guiness, hardware and slate cargo were salvaged.

Check this wreck on the Shipwreck Map