Wreck of the Pretty Jane found on beach

On 14/02/2009
In Parks & Protected Sites
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Pretty Jane Wreck of the Pretty Jane

From Sail the World

A shipwreck missing off Victoria’s Ninety Mile Beach for 127 years has re-appeared at Loch Sport, with remnants of its frames and boiler now visible to beachgoers.

Heritage Victoria archaeologists believe the wreck is the Scottish-built, iron steamer Pretty Jane, which sunk in 1882 following a collision with the Magnolia.

There had been no reported sightings of the wreck since its demise, until Parks Victoria rangers reported the visible remnants on the Gippsland beach last month.

Victorian Planning Minister Justin Madden said the location, dimensions and construction of the remnants all pointed to the reappearance of the ill-fated coastal trader Pretty Jane.

“The Pretty Jane was travelling from Bairnsdale to Melbourne when it collided with the Magnolia and struck the sand bar at Lakes Entrance,” Mr Madden said.

“It continued to Melbourne for repairs but began to sink just off the Ninety Mile Beach. All on board were saved but the Pretty Jane broke up and was never seen again. The natural sand movement of the beach has revealed this missing link in our maritime heritage.”