Adolphe

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An iron barquentine built at Dunkirk, France, in 1902, the Adolphe had a length 95 metres, 3204 tons gross. In ballast from Antwerp to Newcastle, the large four-masted vessel was lost at the notorious Oyster Banks on 30 September 1904, when the tug’s tow parted. The crew of 32 under command of Captain Lucas were rescued. The Historic Shipwreck is a dominant feature of Newcastle's skyline with the bow exposed above the northern harbour breakwater. A viewing gantry and signage exist over the wreck. Adolphe straddles earlier wrecks of Wendouree 1898 and Lindus 1899.

2004 represented the centenary of this disaster.

photo: A plaque about the Adolphe.
A plaque about the Adolphe.
photo: The Adolphe
The Adolphe

Database

Site information

Site ID:

Type:

Barquentine

Construction:

Steel

Primary industry:

Transport

Sub-industry:

cargo - international

Gross tonnage:

3204

Net tonnage:

2413

Length (mtrs):

95.58000

Beam (mtrs):

13.74000

Draft (mtrs):

7.34500

Cargo:

Ballast

Engine:

Country built:

FRANCE

State built:

Port built:

Dunkirk

builder:

Port registered:

Dunkirk, France

When built:

1902

Registration number:

Official number:

Sources:

NMH 1/10/1904, 7/10/1904

Comments:

Now incorporated into Stockton Breakwater North Arm, Stockton. Previously identified as Unidentified - Stockton Breakwater North Arm (# 2214)

Lost event

When lost:

1904/09/30

Where lost:

Newcastle, Oyster Bank

Wrecked/Refloated:

Wrecked

Sinking:

Tug hawser parted

From port:

Antwerp

To port:

Newcastle, NSW

Master:

Captain Lucas

Owner:

Crew:

Passengers:

Crew deaths:

Passenger deaths:

Total deaths:

Location

Maximum latitude:

-32.913776

Minimum latitude:

Maximum longitude:

151.797241

Minimum longitude:

Datum used:

Datum	Latitude	Longitude	Zone	Easting	Northing
AGD66
AGD84
GDA94
WGS84

Management

Found:

Yes

Inspected:

Yes

Protected:

Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976

Jurisdiction:

Federal

Protection notes:

Signage:

Newcastle Oyster Bank wreck trail

Web address:

State Heritage Inventory info

State heritage item data
Name:	Wreck of Adolphe
Other names:
Designer:		Builder:
Material types:
Year construction started:
Year construction completed:
Modification dates:
Physical condition:

Physical description:
Wecked hull of a steel framed ship partly exposed above water level. Recent modern viewing platform designed.
Historical notes:
September 30th, at 10.30am the French Barque "Adolphe" was ship wrecked on Oyster Bank. It lies across the ramains of "Lidus" and "Wendouree". It's crew of 32 all survived. An iron barquentine built at Dunkirk, France, in 1902, the Adolphe had a length 95 metres, 3204 tons gross. In ballast from Antwerp to Newcastle, the large four-masted vessel was lost at the notorious Oyster Banks on 30 September 1904, when the tug’s tow parted. The crew of 32 under command of Capt Lucas were rescued. The Historic Shipwreck is a dominant feature of Newcastle's skyline with the bow exposed above the northern harbour breakwater. A viewing gantry and signage exist over the wreck. Adolphe straddles earlier wrecks of Wendouree 1898 and Lindus 1899. 2004 represents the centenary of the disaster.
Statement of significance:
The site has the potential to contribute to the study of industry and communication. eg. shipways.The Historic Shipwreck is a dominant feature of Newcastle's skyline with the bow exposed above the northern harbour breakwater. In ballast from Antwerp to Newcastle, the large four-masted vessel was lost at the notorious Oyster Banks on 30 September 1904, when the tug’s tow parted.
Current use:		Former use:
Group name:		Group name 2:	Transport - Water
Type name:	Archaeological-Maritime
Category name:	Shipwreck
Circa flag:	No
Further information:	Action - Further research required.
Recommended management:

Links

Adolphe signage and viewing platform

Provides a description and image of the signage and location.

There are currently no links associated with this site.

Adolphe

Site information

Lost event

Location

Management

State heritage item data