The Wreck of the LOCH ARD near Sherbroke River Victoria
Artist
Samuel Calvert
Date1878
Object number00005638
NameEngraving
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 440 x 590 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionEngraving titled 'Wreck of the LOCH ARD near Sherbroke River, Victoria' by Samuel Calvert from 'The Illustrated Adelaide News', 1878.HistoryThe wreck of the 1693 ton iron clipper LOCH ARD is one of Victoria's best known and tragic shipwrecks. Nearing the end of a voyage from Gravesend to Melbourne, the LOCH ARD sank after striking Mutton Bird Island near Port Campbell in calm foggy weather and 52 of the 54 crew and passengers were lost. A nearby gorge into which the only two survivors, 18 year olds Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael were able to get ashore is named Loch Ard Gorge.
The LOCH ARDs cargo included copper and lead, building materials, bottled goods, marble fireplaces, gaslight fittings, railway iron, and exhibits destined for the 1880 International Exhibition, to mark the official opening of the Melbourne Exhibition Buildings in 1880.