https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpLMvUAgNNM (courtesy You Tube)
An extraordinary interview with a gentleman reminiscing about his time on the Nor'West and his passage by and opinion of RMS Koombana. Bear in mind that characterizations expressed are period-related and do not necessarily represent contemporary views.
In terms of timeline, Koombana began service on the Nor'West run early 1909, and Mr. Bennetts travelled on her some time in 1910. His final association with Koombana appears to have been mid 1911 when Koombana sustained plate damage after a collision. It was at this time that he alleged that one of the crew declared Koombana to be the most dangerous ship on the coast; essentially top heavy and liable to capsize in cyclonic conditions.
Koombana disappeared off Port Hedland during the Balla Balla blow, March 1912 and I agree that Koombana was very likely top heavy when she headed north from Port Hedland into the unknown.
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| RMS Koombana - courtesy Wikipedia. |
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