The new Australian clipper SPEEDY

Maker Illustrated London News (Established 1842)

Artist Edwin Weedon (1819 - 1873)

Date1853

Object number00001097

NameEngraving

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 400 x 270 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

DescriptionA page from the Illustrated London News 10 December 1853 featuring an engraving and article titled 'The new Australian clipper SPEEDY' and two engravings of the the wreck of the THE MERIDIAN OFF Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean titled 'The wreck of THE MERIDIAN off the Island of Amsterdam, on the morning after the catastrophe' and 'Passengers of THE MERIDIAN ascending the cliffs of the Island of Amsterdam' with part of the accompanying article.HistoryTHE MERIDIAN sailed for Australia in June 1853 and was wrecked off Amsterdam Island on 24 August. Three of 108 passengers, including the captain, lost their lives. The survivors were rescued by Captain Isaac Ludlow of the American whaler MONMOUTH and taken to Mauritius where the government found them passages to Sydney. An account of the wreck, subsequent time marooned on the island and later rescue was written by one of the passengers on board at the time, Alfred Lutwyche. Lutwyche tells of the initial frustrations and difficulties aboard the ship which he felt was very undermanned and by inexperienced hands at that. A major criticism was also levelled at the owners, whom he accused of focusing on carrying maximum cargo at the expense of the comfort and safety of the passengers aboard. The stay on the island was very difficult as he nad the other passengers were very underprepared and vulnerable, especially the approximately 40 children. Captain Ludlow was much praised for his perseverance and heroism in rescuing the survivors as it became a long and difficult process to get them off the island.