The TSS John Penn was a common sight on the NSW south coast. Built by John Penn in 1867 at Blackwall, London, the 42.7 metre John Penn was named in honour of the shipbuilder. The steamer was originally engaged in the New Zealand coastal trade. The engines are significant, being designed for use in ironclad warships and paddle steamers of the 1850's. They were `simple' twin horizontally-mounted engines that drove twin propeller shafts, and achieved 50-horsepower. Being of low profile, they could be installed below the waterline in naval vessels, lowering the centre of gravity and limiting potential of destruction from enemy gunfire.
The 236-ton John Penn sailed from Tathra for Sydney on November 7th, 1879 with a mixed cargo and a number of passengers. By midnight, thick fog had encroached upon the steamer. Captain Holden did not reduce speed but steered a course which he thought would keep the vessel well off the coast. However, just before 2 am, the John Penn drove up on rocks at the foot of Burrewarra Head in flat seas. Captain Holden later blamed a faulty compass. The Captain, passengers and crew disembarked onto the rocks. One of the ship's boats was then dispatched to Bateman's Bay to notify the authorities of the loss. The steamer Hunter took on board the passengers and cargo. Hawsers were then passed between the vessels and the John Penn was dragged from the rocks and towed towards nearby Broulee Bay. Before they could reach shore the John Penn foundered in 12 metres of water.
Download the NSW Heritage Office Information Sheet. (275kb PDF file)
Download John Penn Wreck Inspection Report (250kb pdf)
