Gothenburg

The Gothenburg was a 674-ton steamship built in London in 1854, becoming one of the fastest and most modern vessels operating along the Australian coastline. Designed with both steam and sail capability, she earned a reputation for speed and reliability in colonial maritime service.

Early Service and Modifications

In early 1873, the vessel underwent significant modifications at Port Adelaide, where she was lengthened to increase her steaming range, passenger capacity, and cargo space. This upgrade was documented in photographs taken at the port during the final stages of work.

Colonial Service

By 1874, the Gothenburg had secured a two-year contract for ten round trips between Adelaide and Port Darwin. This route was crucial for the developing northern territory, with Port Darwin experiencing growth due to the Timber Creek gold rush and increasing trade with the Dutch East Indies. The vessel carried bank shipments, government documents, and Royal Mail along the eastern coast.

Final Voyage and Loss

The Gothenburg's last journey began on February 17, 1875, when Captain James Pearce departed Port Darwin with approximately 100 passengers and 34 crew members. The passenger manifest included government officials, circuit court judges, miners, the French Vice Consul, and prisoners bound for Adelaide. The captain's cabin contained nearly 3,000 ounces of gold.

After covering 900 miles to Somerset on Cape York in three days, the ship encountered deteriorating weather. On February 24, 1875, while sailing south in near-cyclonic conditions with full sail and steam power, the vessel struck Old Reef at low tide. Despite initial hopes of refloating at high tide and attempts to lighten the ship by dumping cargo, the changing winds and rising seas flooded the boiler room through the damaged stern, sealing the vessel's fate.

The severe storm conditions made lifeboat launches extremely difficult. Only a small number of boats successfully launched but were swept away in the darkness. These survivors were later rescued from nearby islands by search vessels from Townsville and Port Denison. Of the approximately 134 people aboard, 112 perished and 22 survived.

Key Facts

Specification	Detail
Built	1854, London
Tonnage	674 tons
Propulsion	Steam and sail
Final Voyage Crew	~34
Final Voyage Passengers	~100
Total Lost	112
Survivors	22