Twinkling Star (1873/01/30)
Garden Island
Twinkling Star was built in Calcutta, India, with one deck and a round stern. The hull was copper sheathed. Benedict Von Bibra, shipbuilder of Subpore Howrath, Calcutta, initially owned it but J. & W. Bateman of Fremantle purchased the vessel in March 1868 for £1 000. Von Bibra’s occupation was also termed as a ship’s havildar. It was used in the coastal trade between Fremantle and Champion Bay, with occasional longer voyages. This vessel was wrecked on the west coast of Garden Island on 30 January 1873 on a voyage from Champion Bay to Fremantle.
THE STRANDING
While anchored at Port Irwin a strong westerly gale blew the Twinkling Star ashore. It was refloated and continued its coastal passages for a further four and a half years. It was later lost at Garden Island, but to date the wreck has not been found.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
SOCIAL (3)
The storm that stranded the Twinkling Star also blew the schooner Sea Bird ashore. Both vessels were salvaged with the aid of the Albatross sent from Geraldton. On its return voyage the Albatross was lost with eight of the crew and passengers including the builder, William Garrard.
Ship Built
Owner J & W Bateman
Master George Long
Country Built India
Port Built Howrah Calcutta
Port Registered Fremantle
When Built 1867
Ship Lost
Grouped Region Metro
Crew 5
When Lost 1873/01/30
Where Lost Garden Island
Port From Champion Bay
Port To Fremantle
Cargo Copper Ore
Ship Details
Engine N
Length 19.30
Beam 4.90
TONA 59.40
TONB 56.07
Draft 2.20
Museum Reference
Official Number 49320
Unique Number 619
Sunk Code Scuttled
Protected Protected Federal
Found N
Inspected N
Confidential NO