Thursday, June 11, 2015

the SS 'Kawatiri' crossing Bass Strait, Australia, circa 1900


An artwork reproduced on a postcard.  Although owned by the Union Steam Ship Company of NZ, the Kawatiri was deployed on Tasmania to mainland Australia runs. As she left Strahan harbour for Melbourne on 13 August 1907, she collided with the harbour's breakwater and sank. Six people drowned. A full account is here

The ship was built in 1882 by H.M. McIntyre of Paisley, with engines by Fleming & Ferguson, Glasgow.

Propulsion: steam compound C2 cylinders, 70 nhp
Ship type: Iron cargo vessel
Tonnage: 516 grt
Length: 170.5 feet (52 metres)
Breadth: 26.1 feet (8 metres)
Crew: 23
Passengers: 40
Ownership:
1882 - Westport Coal Company, Dunedin
1887 - USSCo.

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