BIRCHGROVE
Shipbuildervessel built by
John Lewis & Sons
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1907 - 1976)
Date1930
Object NameCARGO VESSEL
MediumSTEEL
ClassificationsShip
Dimensionslength 153 5/12' x breadth 34 1/12' x depth 12 3/6'
Gross Tonnage: 640 ton
Gross Tonnage: 640 ton
Object numberABDSHIP000071
Keywords
Yard Number: 122
Official number: 157592
Subsequent Name: BIRCHGROVE PARK.
Fate: Wrecked Avalon Beach, NSW, Australia, 2 August 1956.
Propulsion: Steam
Description: Cargo vessel with raised quarterdeck, machinery aft, cargo battens not fitted.
Owners:
1930: R. W. Miller Pty. Ltd, Sydney
General History:
27/10/1930: Builder's certificate issued.
Sailed to Sydney under Capt. Milligan arriving 18 January 1931. In August 1941 she was commissioned by the Royal Australian Navy and operated as an auxiliary minesweeper, and then as stores and personnel transport. Served in New Guinea and Indonesia until returned to R. W. Miller & Co. after the war.
02/08/1956: Wrecked on Avalon Beach, NSW, Australia, whilst carrying 500 tons of coal from Newcastle to Sydney in a storm. She listed badly to port for hours before being struck by a large wave and rolling over, she capsized and sank. The crew were unable to launch the lifeboats and were forced to swim for their lives. Rescue vessels picked up a few survivors but 10 lives were lost. The wreck lies in 50m of water, about 3km off Avalon Beach, 7km south of Broken Bay, New South Wales.
Note: Engine number 203, boiler number 1154 (Palmers of Hebburn on Tyne)
Average speed on trial 9.5 knots.
15 February 1858
1841
1862
September 1873
