An Historical Analysis of wrecks in the vicinity of the Deadwater, Wonnerup, Western Australia

Author/s R. Gerritson

Year of publication 1995

Report Number: 97

From time to time the remains of a number of wrecks have been reported in the vicinity of the Deadwater at Wonnerup, a body of water lying 8.5 to 10.5 lans east north east of Busselton, WA.

Amongst those reports have been accounts of a substantial vessel, a "ship" of unknown origin, encountered in this area.

The "ship", usually known as the Deadwater Wreck or Wonnerup Wreck, is reputed to be of great age.

Considerable debate and conjecture has arisen over the years in regard to the nature, location and identity of this vessel. It has been claimed in particular that the "ship" has been mistaken for a French longboat lost hereabouts in 1801.

Given that tllis is matter of considerable historical interest and possibly some archaeological importance this paper will endeavour to resolve such issues as well as guide in the relocation and recovery of the wreck in question.

It is proposed, therefore, to firstly locate and identity, as specifically as possible, all wrecks reported in the vicinity This will be done with a view to eliminating or minimising much of the confusion that has arisen over the years.

It is further proposed to ascertain the validity of the claims for the existence of the Deadwater Wreck as well as determine, as far as is possible, its nature and identity. Finally a number of hypotheses pertaining to this larger vessel will be considered so as to guide any search for it and resolve some of the issues arising from it supposed presence.