The 398 ton Agnes Irving, Official Number 43237, was a 62.03 metre iron side-paddle steamer built at Deptford in the United Kingdom in 1862. Owned by the Clarence and Richmond River Steam Navigation Company, the Agnes Irving was powered by oscillating engines generating 140 hp.
Described as the "favourite steamer" and a "magnificent steamship", the Agnes Irving was wrecked on the south spit of the Macleay River (old entrance). The vessel struck while entering the river on a regular voyage from Sydney. Captain McGee was in command on the morning of Sunday, 28 December 1879, as the vessel approached the leading marks during an ebb tide. Onboard were 45 passengers and crew and a general cargo valued at £15, 000. The cargo and passengers luggage was safely removed by the boats with the assistance of the pilot. No lives were lost.
Depth of site ~15m
Some of the crew felt that the vessel may have struck a sunken log, although this was not determined at the Enquiry. Attempts to get the vessel off failed and anything of value was stripped as it lay "in an exceedingly bad place, making it dangerous for sailing vessels to pass in or out". A meeting of local business men and townspeople expressed their sorrow for the company and affirmed their full support for Captain McGee who was well respected in the community.
