Joseph H. Scammell (ship)

The Joseph H Scammell was an American sailing ship that was shipwrecked at point Danger, Torquay, Victoria, Australia. The ship was built in Nova Scotia in 1884.

Wrecking

On May 7th, 1891, when the vessel was on its 114th day of its voyage from New York to Melbourne, the Scammell had set a course for Port Phillip Heads when bad weather and rough seas dragged the ship towards shores where it ran a ground on a reef near Point Danger of Torquay. There were 22 people aboard the Scammell, including the wife and daughter of Captain J A Chapman. The ship's dangerous position was first noticed by local fisherman at approximately 11 am, one of the fisherman, Mr Felix Rosser, attempted to row out to the ship to provide assistance but was forced back to shore by strong seas. The following day after the seas had settled, the crew of the ship were able to lower a boat and evacuate all onboard. Due to the incident, Captain J A Chapman had his master’s certificate suspended for 12 months for careless navigation and negligence.

Pilfering

In the following days, the cargo of the ship was washed ashore and an estimated 2000 locals began looting various merchandise which included tobacco, buggy sides, leather, clothing and kerosene. By the time customs officials and police arrived most of the $120,000 cargo had already been looted. Within a week a man from Geelong had purchased the Ship and its remaining cargo for $2628 and held an auction on the beach. The ship's wheelhouse was bought and incorporated into the second floor of a house which can still be seen at the corner of Pearl street and Anderson street in Torquay.

References

* [http://www.pbase.com/torquay/image/47525446 Plaque telling the story of the shipwreck]
*cite web
url=http://www.greatoceanroad.org/Brand_ViewHighlight.aspx?storyid=314&highlightid=88&homepageid=36&brandid=38
title=Joseph H. Scammell
work=Great Ocean Road: History
publisher=www.greatoceanroad.org
accessdate=2008-07-10