RMS Quetta Wreck and Its Aftermath

The RMS Quetta was a ship that met a tragic end on October 28, 1875. It was wrecked off the coast of South Africa.

The ship was traveling from Bombay to Southampton when it encountered a severe storm. The crew fought hard to save the ship, but ultimately, it was too late.

The RMS Quetta was carrying over 300 passengers and crew members, and unfortunately, many of them lost their lives in the disaster.

The Quetta's loss was a devastating incident that had a lasting impact on Queensland history. The ship was commanded by an experienced pilot, Captain Eldred P. Keatinge, who was navigating her through the Torres Strait.

Captain Keatinge estimated the position of the rock that caused the damage to be 10°40′10″S142°38′10″E. The rock was uncharted and located in the middle of the Adolphus Channel near Albany Island.

The Quetta struck the rock at 21:14 hours, causing significant damage to her hull. The damage was so severe that the ship split open the steel plates from her bow to her engine room.

Quartermaster James Oates played a crucial role in the rescue efforts, organising the baling of the cutter and steering it ashore. The cutter was surrounded by a large group of Javanese and lascars.

The Quetta's Number 1 lifeboat was damaged and capsized, but Captain Keating and Third Officer Thomas Babb were able to right it. However, they were unable to bail it out, and it picked up more survivors, including Captain Sanders.

The two boats met and landed their survivors on Mount Adolphus Island. The Quetta's wrecking is considered the worst single-incident disaster in Queensland history.

The RMS Quetta wreck lies on its port side in 18 metres of water, protected by the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018. This safeguard ensures the site remains preserved for future generations.

The wreck is located in 18 metres of water, a depth that's easily accessible for exploration. However, it's essential to note that the site is protected by law.

A significant part of the Quetta's legacy is the Quetta Memorial Precinct on Thursday Island, which commemorates the 134 lives lost in the disaster. The precinct includes a monument, an Anglican church, rectory, and church hall.

The Quetta Memorial Precinct is a poignant reminder of the tragedy, featuring artefacts recovered from the ship, including a lifebelt, a photo of the ship, and a copy of Queensland Marine Board's report. These artefacts are now displayed in the church.

The ship's bell is on display at the Cooktown Museum, while the brass binnacle is exhibited at the Commissariat Store Museum in Brisbane.

The investigation into the sinking of the RMS Quetta was led by the British Board of Trade, which concluded that the ship had been carrying a large quantity of coal that had shifted in the hold, causing the vessel to list and eventually capsize.

The inquiry found that the ship's crew had been unaware of the danger posed by the shifting coal, and that the vessel's stability had been compromised by the excessive cargo.

The aftermath of the disaster was marked by a significant loss of life, with over 200 people killed in the tragedy.

The survivors of the disaster were left to pick up the pieces and try to move on with their lives. Many reported feeling numb and disconnected from the world around them.

The official death toll was 147, with many more injured and displaced. This number only accounts for those who were directly affected by the disaster.

Survivors often struggled to cope with the trauma they experienced, with some reporting flashbacks and nightmares months after the incident. The psychological impact of the disaster was a significant concern for emergency responders.

The community came together to support the survivors, with many offering food, shelter, and emotional support. This outpouring of kindness helped to ease the burden on those affected.

As the investigation into the disaster continued, the survivors played a crucial role in providing testimony and information. Their accounts helped to piece together what happened and why.

The Marine Board inquiry into the Quetta shipwreck was a thorough investigation that shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The Board's findings were released in April 1890.

The inquiry concluded that the shipwreck was purely accidental, with the damaging rock not shown on Admiralty charts. The Board found that the starboard side of the ship had been ripped from the right forward to the engine room.

The crew responded quickly to orders during the emergency, and Captain Sanders and pilot Captain Keatinge were exonerated. They had exerted themselves to the utmost and been very careful and attentive to the navigation of the ship.

The Marine Board made a recommendation that steamships should be equipped with speaking tubes between the bridge and the engine room to lessen the need for sending messengers back and forth.