The following extract illustrates the cost factor in organizing searches for Koombana; which was anticipated to occupy five - six weeks:
"As to the "Penguin", the daily consumption of this vessel is rather high to permit of her carrying out an extensive search, which I fear may now be necessary, but in lieu of her I recommend that the small cargo steamer "Una", now under charter to the Government and expected to arrive at Geraldton tomorrow, be re-engaged to proceed to the North-West coast and to conduct a systematic search of the waters lying between Montebello Islands and the Rowley Shoals. The consumption of this vessel is about half that of the "Penguin" and if it could be arranged the "Una" to be coaled by the Railway Department at Geraldton (150 tons) she could be despatched on Saturday next on a search extending over five or six weeks."
The 5 - 6 week time frame suggests that the authorities were anticipating a difficult search covering a vast expanse of ocean.
Anything was possible.....
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| courtesy State Records Office, Western Australia, series 2357, cons 066 |
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| courtesy State Records Office, Western Australia, series 2357, cons 066 |
The Una mission got off to a rocky start:
"The Chief Harbour Master
Fremantle
Sir,
Confirming my wire of this morning I beg to state that the SS "Una" got away at 3 a.m. today.
I regret the delay, but it was due to the coaling taking longer than expected and then at 1 a.m., when she was all ready for departure, a mishap occurred in the engine room necessitating the blowing off of steam to affect repairs.
She took in 125 tons of coal, having 25 tons old stock on board - and 2460 gallons of water.
The 125 tons of coal filled her hold.
She was unable to take any in her bunkers owing to part of the old stock which was there being heated.
Mr. Miller
Pilot
Geraldton March 30th/12
An interesting period observation about not being able to mix fresh coal with existing 'heated' coal. Fears of fire or explosion??
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| courtesy State records Office, Western Australia, series 2357, cons 066 |
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