WRECKED AT PORT HEDLAND

 Northern Times, 21 September, 1935

Port Hedland Notes

(From our own Correspondent.)

Port Hedland, September 19

The s.s. Minderoo ran aground on 

a sandbank near the Port Hedland 

jetty in attempting to berth

on Saturday morning's tide. The tides

are equinoxial, and would run at the

rate of 10 knots at the time the 

accident happened. The anchor was let

down and would not grip with the 

result that the vessel ran on to the

sandbank. The captain thought it would

be an easy matter to free the vessel

and used his engines, but although

the prow and stern moved, the vessel

was fast amidships. The tide rose five

feet after the first grounding, but had

the effect of leaving the vessel higher

on the bank, and the vessel became

pivoted in the centre on the top of the

sand bar. When the tide went out the

prow and stern sagged with the weight

of the cargo and severely strained the

vessel, causing leaks amidship, and 

disturbed the engine bed, throwing

the engine out of action. Steam can be

generated for steerage and winch work,

but it is impossible to turn the propeller. 

At low tide many of the townsfolk went 

out in boats and it was possible to 

practically walk around the vessel. A 

distinct corrugation could be

seen in the ship's side. The lifeboats

were ready in the davits for immediate

use. There were only 15 passengers

aboard. With the ebb of the tide early

Sunday morning the boat drifted off

the bank. Ropes had been made fast

to the jetty, enabling the captain to

pull his vessel clear. Passengers who

were going to Singapore returned south

by the Centaur, and the freezer cargo

was also transhipped. The Minderoo

is berthed by the jetty and with the

assistance of a diver, plates have been

screwed over the holes in her side, and

cement blocks placed on the inside.

The Captain himself donned the diving

jacket and examined the damage and

issued instructions accordingly. It will

be impossible to tow the vessel until

the next spring tides and it will re-

quire two tugs to negotiate the turns

in the channel. The surveyor will ar-

rive shortly and then it will be known

what can be done to the vessel. Only

cargo for Hedland has been removed,

and the master awaits further 

instruction. The Customs Department is

keeping a strict guard, and nobody

is allowed to board the vessel.

courtesy Flotilla Australia.

probably stranded on Middle Bank

The West Australian, 21 October, 1909. 

THE KOOMBANA AGROUND.

EXPERIENCE AT PORT HEDLAND.

DREDGING OF CREEK ADVOCATED.

Port Hedland, October 20.

After striking the bank about a mile up

the creek here at 1 o'clock this morning,

the steamer Koombana became fast about

200 yards from the jetty on the eastern bank

of the creek. The vessel will probably be

got off at high tide.

In view of the increased traffic likely to

take place during the next year or two the

dredging of the creek is a very necessary

work.

[Later services state that the Koombana 

sailed for Cossack at 12.45 p.m. yesterday.]

courtesy Trove and Google Earth.