Karatta
The Karatta was a Scottish-built coastal steamer that served as a crucial maritime link between Port Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, and various South Australian coastal communities for over five decades. Built specifically for the Adelaide-Kangaroo Island route, she became renowned for her reliability and importance to the region's development during the first half of the 20th century.
Construction and Early Service
Built by Geo. Brown & Co. in Greenock, Scotland, Karatta was delivered in 1907. Initially operated by Gulf Steamship Co. Ltd., she was registered in Port Adelaide and transferred to Coast Steamships Ltd. in 1913. The vessel began service with a distinctive black hull, maintaining regular routes between Port Adelaide and Kangaroo Island ports including Kingscote, American River, and Hog Bay (Penneshaw).
Service History
Throughout her career, Karatta demonstrated remarkable versatility. During the 1930s, she expanded her service to include Ardrossan and Edithburgh routes in Spencer Gulf, occasionally extending voyages to Port Lincoln. In the 1940s, she began calling at Glenelg Jetty, reducing passage time by two hours for some passengers.
The vessel became popular for excursions, operating Saturday and holiday trips from Glenelg Jetty to destinations including Edithburgh, Second Valley, Hog Bay, and Kingscote. For these excursion services, she was licensed to carry up to 550 passengers.
Modifications and Incidents
After World War I, the ship's mainmast was removed as its corresponding hold was covered over. The mast was later reinstated to support radio equipment. The vessel underwent several modifications, including enclosure of the forward main deck with windows for passenger comfort, though canvas awnings remained in use along both sides of the aft deck.
In March 1946, Karatta weathered a severe gale that caused a 19-hour delay and led to fears she had foundered. Damage was limited to the forecastle railing and a flattened car being carried as deck cargo. A significant technical upgrade occurred in 1956 when she was converted from coal to oil power.
Final Years
The Karatta completed her final voyage on November 3, 1961, under the command of her long-serving master, Captain Reinhold Pearson, concluding 54 years of continuous service on the Kangaroo Island route. In February 1962, she was broken up for scrap at Ethelton, Port Adelaide. Her captain's cabin was preserved by Alan Rice, along with some of her life buoys.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 553 tons |
| Net Tonnage | 239 tons |
| Length | 175 ft (53.3m) |
| Beam | 28.1 ft (8.5m) |
| Draught | 11.4 ft (3.74m) |
| Engine | Single boiler, triple-expansion, 82 HP |
| Speed | 12.5 knots |
| Passenger Capacity | 250 (regular service), 550 (excursions) |
| Construction | Steel hull, single-screw |