"Owing to the heavy seas, the gale, and the
strong currents, together with the fact
that the vessel was flying very light, the
Cromarty refused to answer her helm, and
became practically unmanageable. The
steamer was only drawing 6ft. forward and 12ft.
aft, and could not be controlled in heavy weather.
During the whole time she was pounding heavily,
and at intervals of every few minutes her engines
raced."
It does not take very much imagination to substitute Cromarty with Koombana, northeast of Bedout Island, March, 1912.
Outcome:
Koombana broaching, falling into a trough and capsizing.
courtesy Trove.
