Cataraqui – Captain Christopher Findlay, wrecked off King Island in 1845 (Please inquire)

The Cataraqui holds a tragic place in Australia’s maritime history as the site of the nation’s worst civil maritime disaster. In 1845, the Cataraqui, a British emigrant ship, met a devastating fate off the coast of King Island, located in the treacherous waters of Bass Strait. The ship, carrying emigrants seeking a new life in Australia, encountered severe weather and rough seas. Tragically, the Cataraqui was wrecked, and nearly 400 passengers and crew lost their lives, marking one of the darkest moments in Australian seafaring history.

As a special project for the King Island Historical Society, a meticulously handcrafted model of the Cataraqui has been created. This model captures the intricate details of the ill-fated ship, from its sturdy construction to the rigging and sails that once carried it across the seas. Each element of the model is crafted with precision, serving as a poignant reminder of the vessel and the lives lost in the 1845 disaster. Displaying this model honors the memory of those who perished and preserves an important chapter in Australia’s maritime heritage.

Key Feature of the Cataraqui model ship:

• A full 100Lcm X 23Wcm X 75Hcm replica of the Cataraqui ship.
• Hand-crafted using a range of hard wood with plank-on-frame construction.
• Realistic design with the original colour of the replica ship used for added realism.
• Clear attention to detail paid on all sections of this particular boat for lifelike appeal.
• Fully ready for display; great for displaying on the base that is provided with.

History of the Cataraqui ship:

The Cataraqui is a significant part of Australia’s maritime history due to the tragic disaster that befell the ship in 1845, marking the country’s worst civil maritime disaster. The Cataraqui, a British emigrant ship, set sail from Liverpool on April 20, 1845, bound for Melbourne, Australia. Onboard were 369 emigrants, primarily families seeking a new life in the burgeoning Australian colonies, along with a crew of 41, making a total of 410 souls.

After a grueling voyage lasting over three months, the Cataraqui approached the dangerous waters of Bass Strait. On the night of August 4, 1845, in the midst of a severe storm, the ship was driven onto rocks off the coast of King Island, situated between mainland Australia and Tasmania. The ship broke apart rapidly in the violent surf, and despite desperate efforts by passengers and crew, the vast majority were unable to reach safety.

The disaster claimed the lives of nearly 400 people, with only nine survivors—seven crew members and two passengers—managing to make it ashore. The survivors endured immense hardship and were eventually rescued by a passing vessel, bringing news of the catastrophe to the mainland.

The Cataraqui disaster had a profound impact on maritime practices in Australia. It underscored the need for improved navigational aids and better safety measures for ships navigating the perilous waters around King Island and the Bass Strait. The tragedy also highlighted the perils faced by emigrants during the era of mass migration, as they sought new beginnings in distant lands.

Today, the memory of the Cataraqui and those who perished is preserved through various commemorations and historical projects. The King Island Historical Society has taken significant steps to ensure that this chapter of Australian maritime history is not forgotten, including the creation of a meticulously handcrafted model of the Cataraqui. This model serves as a poignant reminder of the disaster and honors the legacy of the nearly 400 souls lost in the tragedy.