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SS RODONDO

ArtistAttributed to George Frederick Gregory [Jnr] (1857 - 1913)

Date1883-1894

Object number00006014

NamePainting

MediumWatercolour on paper.

DimensionsOverall: 329 × 453 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection

Terms

steamships

DescriptionWatercolour of the Howard Smith Line steamship SS RODONDO at sea. Orginally thought to be by Arthur Victor Gregory but based on a faint signature, as well as stylistic reasons, it is now attributed to Gregory Frederick Gregory Junior. HistorySS RODONDO was built in Liverpool by W. H. Potter and Co. and launched in 1878 for use on the Australian intercolonial trade. It came under the full owership of W. Howard Smith and Company in 1883. On 2 October 1894 RONONDO left Adelaide on its first voyage to Western Australia under the command of Captain Henry Edward Hill. On board were 36 crew, 164 passengers and cargo including a seven ton winding and pumping engine which was stowed on deck. Although it was not noticed or acknowledged at first, the location of this engine cargo may have affected the effectiveness of the ships compass. In addition to this situation, it was noted that the sea and weather conditions were bad enough that it was difficult to take an accurate position reading. Very early in the morning of 7th October, under the watch of the second mate, the RODONDO struck Pollock Reef. Over the next hours some panic ensued and four passengers drowned. The captain attempted to beach the vessel but was unsuccessful and the ship sunk 12 hours later just off the South East Isles. The remaining passengers and crew managed to reach an island of the isles and were all rescued later from there by the GRACE DARLING. An inquiry into the accident found Captain Hill at fault but charges against the second mate were dismissed. SignificanceThe RODONDO was part of the sea faring tradition that saw shipping as the major life blood of the early colonies. Yet is also epitomises the great risks that still existed to passengers and cargo that existed sailing even in local waters.