THE DUNBAR’S ANCHORS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8828, 1 June 1907, Page 1

THE DUNBAR’S ANCHORS.

Interesting relies of the mostapj palling shipping disaster in the history of Australia in the shape of the anchors of the passenger ship Dunbar were discovered near Jacob’s Ladder, not far distant from the Signal Station at South Head, Sydney, where they have for almost half a century lain submerged and partially embedded m the rocks. Now that the anchors have baen definitely located it is anticipated that under favourable weather conditions they will be easily raised, and arrangements are to be made forthwith by the Department of Navigation for securing possession of them. Intense interest in the discoverywas manifested in shipping circle?| as well as among the residents of "Wat.on’s Bay, and many speculations were indulged in as to the disposal of the relies, which, no doubt, will be greatly prized on account of their historic value. The loss of the Dunbar created a profound sensation not alone in Australia but also at Home. With 120 sou’s on board the shin had almost completed her long voyage from London, when suddenly 119 of the number were plunged into eternity. What really happened will never be known, but the theory which is generally accepted is that the commander, Captain Green, mistook the Map for the opening between Sydney Heads, and steering a course for that fatal point his vessel took the ground just below the present Signal Station.

Even the hour and date of the disaster are not definitely known. The night of August 20th, 1857, was a tempestuous one, and old colonists describe the gales which raged from the south-east as of a very violent character. In the darkness the Dunbar was lost, but whether she come to grief on the night of August 20lh or during the early hours of August 21st, 1857, has never been ascertained. It was not until residents of Watson’s Bay discovered wreckage coming ashore on August 21st, that the disaster was reported. Upon an investigation being made the sole survivor, Johnson, was found in an exhausted condition lying on a ledge of rocks, from which he was with very great difficulty rescued. For thirty hours he remained below before he had an opportunity of communicating the name of the lost vessel. Johnson was for many years, and until quite recently, the lighthousekeeper an Newcastle, and while occupying that position succeeded in rescuing the sole survivor from a steamship lost on the Oyster Bank. The loss of the Dunbar was for very many years celebrated on each anniversary, and pride of pfach was always given to Johnston. Many of those who went down with the Dunbar were old colonists returning with their families from visits to England. Several' of the bodies were recovered, and a public funeral took place. On that day the business of the entire colony was suspended, the ships in the harbour hoisted their flags half-mast, and the procession to the graveyard was composed of many thousands of citizens. The cargo of the Dunbar was valued at T 22.000. ‘