HOKITIKA

Shipbuildervessel built by Alexander HALL & Co. (Footdee, Aberdeen)

DateNovember 1871

Object NameBARQUE

MediumIRON

ClassificationsShip

Dimensionslength 132.5' x breadth 24.9' x depth: 12.3'
Gross Tonnage: 293 ton

Object numberABDSHIP001156

Keywords

Aberdeen Built Ships

About MeYard: Alexander Hall & Co.
Yard Number: 268
Official Number: 64775

Fate: wrecked off Cape Leuwin, near Fremantle, Western Australia, 2 November 1872.

Propulsion: Sail
Description: Barque rigged, raised quarterdeck 35', iron.

Owner:
1871-72: Spence Brothers & Co., registered at Melbourne

Voyage (Lloyd's):
1872: Aberdeen - Natal

General History:
21/12/1872:
Evidence before Board of Enquiry at Fremantle - HOKITIKA left Newcastle, N.S.W., 7 October with cargo of coals for Mauritius. 2 November about 3pm she came on a patch of dark smooth water off Cape Leuwin, in 2 minutes she struck twice of edge of a rock. Captain Finlay experienced and steady careful navigator, has been 10 times round the Leuwin and often closer in shore. Ship got clear and all hands immediately set to work pumps, but in about 20 minutes water had increased to 5½ or 6 ft. Yards were then squared and vessel's head turned shoreward in hope of reaching her. 25 minutes later 10ft. water in hold and matters now appeared hopeless. Capt. Finlay ordered all hands into the boats, remaining himself at the helm and keeping the vessel before the wind. In less than 10 minutes more the water was up to the main rail, rolling right over the bulwarks, and 2 mins. after the Captain had left ship she settled down at distance of abut 5 miles from shore. Captain Finlay and the crew got to the town of Bussel on 5 November and from thence got to Fremantle, where they were given passage to Adelaide by Capt. Wilkinson of S.S. PARANA. HOKITIKA was almost a new vessel and but partially insured. Capt. Finlay lost considerably by the wreck, all his private effects and some £30 in cash. Crew also lost everything except what they stood up in. The reception given the shipwrecked seamen at Fremantle was not very cordial or enthusiastic, no one seeming to care for their destitute condition, court decided no blame could be attached to master or mate or any of crew for loss of HOKITIKA.
(Melbourne Argus)

Notes: Contract cost £3,950 (Builder’s List held in the Lloyd’s Library of the Aberdeen Maritime Museum)
HOKITIKA remains in Lloyd's register for several years after her loss.