TSS Kanowna

TSS "Kanowna", also known as HMAS "Kanowna", was an Australian steamer built during 1902.

The 126-metre-long TSS "Kanowna" was constructed by Brothers of Dumbarton, Scotland and W. Denny, and had a twin screw design. The "Kanowna" was operated by the Australian United Steam Navigation Company (AUSNC), and it served the Sydney to Fremantle route.

"Kanowna" was controlled by the Commonwealth between 8 August 1914 and 21 August 1914. It was used to transfer troops for the Australian World War I involvement in New Guinea.

The steamer was again requisitioned on 1 June 1915 by the Commonwealth, and was transferred to England where it was converted to a hospital ship that could accommodate 452 patients. It was used to transfer ill and injured people between the United Kingdom and Australia for three years, during which time it was known as the HMAS "Kanowna".

The steamer was returned to AUSNC on 29 July 1919, after it left England just prior to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which formally concluded World War I. It resumed a passenger and general cargo route, with varied routes.

On 18 February 1929 the "Kanowna" ran into rocks whilst travelling between Sydney and Melbourne near Cleft Island, south of Wilsons Promontory. Passengers were transferred to the SS "Mackarra" prior to the "Kanowna" sinking. The steamship "Dumosa" was used to transfer "Kanowna"'s officers and crew.

Originally it was believed that the "Kanowna" could be moved and saved, but the boiler fires had extinguished and attempts to beach the ship were unsuccessful. The ship remained afloat for several hours before sinking.

Fog is believed to have been a major factor in the incident. A Court of Inquiry found the captain should have slowed his vessel in the fog. It is one of Victoria's largest shipwrecks.

On 23 April 2005 four explorers believe they found the shipwreck of the "Kanowna", located 50 km into Bass Strait and submerged in approximately 80 m of water. A fortnight later a group of divers successfully reached the wreck and a comparison to the drawings of the ship indicate it is likely to be the "Kanowna".

References

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