Details

Summary note

"A Narrative of the Melancholy Wreck of the 'Dunbar,' Merchant Ship, on the South Head of Port Jackson, August 20th, 1857" is a historical account written in the mid-19th century, specifically in 1857. This book recounts the tragic shipwreck of the Dunbar, a passenger vessel that was lost near the entrance to Port Jackson off the Australian coast, resulting in the deaths of nearly all on board, with only one survivor, James Johnson. This gripping narrative not only details the event but also explores the broader implications of maritime safety and navigation during that era. The story begins with a vivid description of the shipwreck that occurred during a stormy night, as the Dunbar mistook the entrance of the harbor and struck the treacherous rocks of the South Head. The text conveys the overwhelming chaos and horror experienced by passengers and crew members as they faced the impending disaster, culminating in a heart-wrenching scene of floating bodies and debris. The sole survivor, James Johnson, recounts his harrowing experience of survival amidst the wreckage, providing vital details of the circumstances leading to the disaster. As the narrative unfolds, it details the subsequent recovery efforts and the community's grief, while also reflecting on the inadequacies of the pilotage system and the need for better maritime safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Notes

• Reading ease score: 55.1 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
• Release date is 2018-05-14

Creation/​Production credits

Produced by Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from scans of public domain works at The National Library of Australia.)

Original version

Original publication data not identified

Statement on responsible collection description

Princeton University Library aims to describe library materials in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections we manage. Read more...