1900 - The steel steamer Whangape disabled at Jervis Bay.
The brand new 3000 ton London based Union Steamship Company steamer Whangape was on a voyage from England to Newcastle Australia, where she would be employed in the intercolonial trade.
July 2 - She had experienced moderate weather throughout the voyage until she rounded Wilsons Promontory sighting Cape Otway.
July 4 - Steaming up the coast she ran headlong into a strong gale from the east and east-north-east, with violent squalls, terrific seas, and heavy rain.
July 5 - These tempestuous conditions showed no sign of easing. Approaching Jervis Bay Captain Clarke decided to take the steamer into Jervis Bay for shelter. She had no sooner passed through the heads when the main steam pipe burst, leaving her utterly powerless. Under the influence of strong winds, the captain immediately ordered the anchors to be dropped.
July 10 - The steamer remained in the bay while repairs were carried out. Mr Dove the chief engineer travelled to Sydney for repairs, which were carried out at Mort's Dock.
The Captain decision to seek shelter in the bay at that time saved the ship from certain doom. If the accident had happened in the open sea under such weather conditions she would surely have been driven onto the coast.
Interestingly this was the maiden voyage for the Whangape but she had already borne three names.
Originally called the Adriana, she was sold to Messers. Elder, Dempster, and Co. and became the Asaba; then the Union Company purchased
her and renamed her Whangape. All before she had left the stocks of her builders at the Cleveland Dockyard.
331ft long, 44ft breath, and depth of hold 23ft 3 in. and a carrying capacity of 4700 tons dead weight, capable of
maintaining a speed of 91/2 knots with a crew of 8.
July 12 - After repairs, the steamer resumed her voyage.
July 16 - She arrived in Newcastle, where she was loaded with coal destined for New Zealand.
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