Tasmanian Seafarers' Memorial Established in 1997 Triabunna - on Tasmania's East Coast | HOME | BACKGROUND | MAIN MEMORIALS | PROFESSIONAL FISHERS | | CONTACT | LOCATION | SEARCH |

Despatch (1826)

The plaque reads ...

'Despatch'
Colonial Government's 20 ton schooner
built at Macquarie Harbour 1825-6
maiden voyage arrived Hobart 17.2.1826
Sailed from Hobart in March 1826 with
stores to Maria Island but disappeared
in heavy gales off Cape Pillar.
Master - Samuel Rodman Chase

The 'Despatch' was a 20 ton schooner built at Macquarie Harbour during 1825 and completed early 1826. She arrived in Hobart Town on February 17, 1826 to commence supply duties in the colony.

In March she set sail for Maria Island with supplies, Captain Samuel Chase in command.

When the 'Despatch' failed to arrive at Maria Is. or return to Hobart Town, fears were expressed for her safety (HTG 8.4.1826) A whaleboat sent out in search of her returned without bringing any news of her fate (HTG 22.4.1826).

Her loss was confirmed in late April and the Hobart Town Courier of 23 June 1826 carried the following article:

"By the loss of the little government vessel which lately sailed for Maria Is., we regret to state, that a widow and a large family are deprived of a father and husband. Mr. S. Chase was the master of that vessel. He was an experienced navigator, and had been many years in the maritime service in these colonies. We therefore trust that the Government may afford some relief to his disconsolate wife and orphan children, as they are left wholly unprovided for."

It was presumed that the 'Despatch' had foundered off Cape Pillar in the heavy gales that had blown up soon after her departure from Hobart to Maria Island with stores in March of 1826.

Source: Sydney Gazette. July 26 1826.
(originally from the COLONIAL TIMES. VDL. June 23)
"By the loss of the little Government vessel which lately sailed for Maria Island, we regret to state, that a widow and a large family are deprived of a father and husband. Mr. S. Chase was the master of that vessel. He was an experienced navigator, and had been many years in the maritime service in these Colonies. We therefore trust that the Government may afford some relief to his disconsolate wife and orphan children, as they are left wholly unprovided for."