The Story of the SS Glenelg
Completed in 1875, the SS Glenelg was a 135-foot iron twin-screw steamer. Praised by passengers for her comfort and sea-going qualities, her twin screws gave her a distinct advantage when navigating difficult passages, such as the treacherous entrance to the Gippsland Lakes.
A History of Close Calls Being a "flush-decked" ship, the Glenelg was prone to taking on water in heavy seas. In 1896, she had a terrifying trip between Melbourne and Strahan when massive waves broke over her low bow, rushing aft, breaking over the engine room grating, and choking the ship's pumps with coal.
The Final Tragedy On March 25, 1900, the ship's luck finally ran out. While navigating the notoriously rough waters off the 90 Mile Beach in South West Gippsland, she encountered a massive storm and foundered in the heavy seas. The sinking was a massive tragedy for the Victorian coastal community, resulting in the loss of approximately 38 lives.
The Discovery (2009)
The SS Glenelg lay hidden beneath the dark waters of Bass Strait for 109 years. On June 28, 2009, after extensive historical research and hydrographic scanning, the Southern Ocean Exploration (SOE) team successfully located the wreck.
Since the discovery, the SOE team has completed a detailed site plan documenting the wreck's condition on the seafloor. The discovery also provided much-needed closure for the community, eventually bringing together descendants of the victims for a special Glenelg Reunion to honor those lost at sea.