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Corowa Paddle Steamer Wreck
| Source: |
Go to the Register of the National Estate for more information. |
| Identifier: |
19176 |
| Location: |
Railway Tce, Morgan Wharf, Morgan |
Local
Government: |
Mid - Murray District |
| State: |
SA |
| Country: |
Australia |
Statement of
Significance: |
The paddle steamer Corowa was built as an iron, stern-wheel paddle steamer, by James Anderson, Moama, New South Wales in 1868. About 1870 the tonnages were 181gross and 130net with dimensions of 29.97m long by 6.02m breadth by 1.83m depth. This vessel is reported to have been rebuilt from the remains of the paddle steamer Lady Darling owned by William Smith and Bowler. The engine was initially a two-cylinder steam engine of 50hp manufactured by Anderson, McCaul and Black of Melbourne. This was replaced at an unknown date by the current common, non condensing direct acting horizontal steam engine of 50hp made by Abraham Graham of Goolwa. The vessel was subsequently repaired with four rudders, three in front of the paddle wheel and one behind. This made the boat very manoeuvrable. The Corowa was purchased by William Randell in 1876 and was to be one of the fastest boats in its class with good passenger accommodation and capable of 'steaming at a fast pace towing a barge with 250tons deadweight cargo'. The PS Cowora is documented as having sunk a number of times and the register was closed in 1930 with the comment 'broken up'. Apparently only stripped, the vessel was reported derelict in 1944. The PS Corowa is the earliest of only two stern-wheel paddle steamers that remain in the archaeological record in South Australia. The site has the potential to help in the development of a typeology and chronology of paddle steamers on the River Murray. The stern-wheel paddle steamer was a rarity on the River Murray as only twenty out of approximately 300-plus were built. |
| Description: |
The vessel lies close to the western bank at a distance of seven metres and the site falls to a depth of five metres. The vessel remains underwater during normal flow level and in times of flood. The wreck is resting in river silt and is subject to currents and boat wash. Part of the engine/boiler protrudes above water level in addition to part of the paddle wheels. A thorough assessment of the vessel has not been made due to the nil visibility of the water but the historical record indicates a major portion of the vessel's hull, engine and boiler and paddle wheel remain. |
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