The Wreck of the Loch Vennachar, of West Coast, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. 3 Mast Steel Sailing Clipper. Totally Broken Up and spread out. All Lives Lost to sea.
This video captures a section of the wreck which was not originally captured/surveyed by the original discovery party in 1976 (South Australian Underwater Historical Society). In this footage you will see large wheels – which are likely fly-wheels from a portable steam engine or pump.
One of the large bow Anchors to the Loch Vennachar – recovered in 1980 was restored and is displayed within Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island, near West Bay. A lone sailors Grave site also exists within the sand hills of West bay.
Music: Kevin Macleod – incomptech.com – Parting Of The Ways
10 responses to “Wreck of the Loch Vennachar, Kangaroo Island, South Australia”
Wonderful video Steve…great to try and work out what all those bits and pieces are! What is that sweep doing at ~5:29 I wonder?
Cheers
Harry
It;s fantastic to see this wreck video footage. Well done! Steve Reynolds
Love this video…would you have happened to have a basic map of wjat wreckage you found where at the site? I’m curious to know the pattern and spread of the hull plates, garboard strakes, keel, stern plates, yards, masts & cables etc. My email is paulsimo2001@yahoo,com.au.
Hi Paul, I left a message on your Youtube to contact me, there are two email addresses you left me which vary. Anyway regarding your query, more research needs to be done at this site. Much is overgrown, however, I am of the view that they tried to bring her around rather than driving straight into the cliffs. The 1976 survey finds lie South of my new find. It is a very precarious area to access – However it is on my agenda next season – Regards.
HI Oz Diver…your assumption about the ship being brought around is in line with my findings taking into account, course, speed, time of day, winds and currents at the time of the wreck. It appears they were heading east-nor’east when they sited breakers not far ahead, they tried to bring her bow round through the wind whilst trying to release an anchor…to little effect, the ship was driven up onto the reef at he base of the cliffs, she settled on the reef, broke her back, just abaft the fore mast. The bow settled inside the reef, the larger stern section was swung around to the north side and smashed to pieces beam on to the cliffs…….
I was stoked to see this video. My great , great Aunt Liousa’s belongings were on this ship ,being brought over from England. She was to sail on the Loch Vennachar but changed her mind at the last minute, and arranged to come over to South Australia on the next ship I remember as a child all the stories of the wreck of the Loch Vennechar (this is going back 50 yrs ago) I wish my relatives were alive today to see this video.
+Helen Kohler Hi Helen. I have tried to contact you. and am trying again. Please make contact if you can. I have information to share with you. Thanks in advance.
Hi Helen. Thanks for the information. It is part of the Loch Vennachar story that I have not heard before, and a good one to be told. Thank you so much for making contact. Part of the wreck site was originally found in 1976. Much of the footage you see is sections I discovered in 2011. One of the Bow Anchors to the Loch Vennachar lies near West Bay, fully restored and a nice visit. That Anchor was retrieved in 1980. If you ever make it over to Kangaroo Island / South Australia, it is well worth the visit.
Amazing video! My admiration to those, who filmed it! Really great shots of Loch Vennachar dive site! If you give consent, I share your video on oue website here: https://divebooker.com/loch-vennachar-baz14707 It would be great if you could share your impressions on our page I noted before. Thank you!
Thanks. you are welcome to share. May I suggest you also look at Loch Vennachar – The Story. This is a latter video and tells more of the story of the wreck – and as well, video of the bow running gear.