Topgallant (1933/11/10)

Koombana Bay

Topgallant was a fishing boat, and was owned by a man named Vines from Busselton. The ketch had previously been owned by Dr Kennedy of Perth, was well fitted, and worth an estimated £1 500. The vessel was equipped with refrigeration, and was at the time of its loss manned by only one person, the son of the owner.
THE LOSS
The Topgallant left Bunbury Harbour on Friday 10 November, but being unable to make headway against the strong winds it began to put back. About 3.00 p.m. a fire started on board, and E. Robertson went in his boat to attempt to tow the ketch in to harbour. However the engine on his boat was not powerful enough for the task, so he abandoned the tow and brought Vines ashore. The Echo under the command of Patrick Lyons then towed the Topgallant from about 400 m offshore into the shelter provided by the Bunbury Harbour breakwater. Here the ketch was beached, and although the Bunbury pilot attended, nothing could be done to extinguish the flames and it burnt to the waterline.