Wreck Site - Samuel Wright

Statement of Significance

SHIPWRECK
The wreck of the ‘Samuel Wright’, together with the other shipwrecks in Koombana Bay, tells the story of the trials and dangers of early trade and transport in and out of the port of Bunbury. 'Samuel Wright’ was one of the whaling vessels drawn to the Western Australian coast to hunt whales for their lucrative oil, and to trade and barter with the early settlers. Captain Francis Coffin purchased the remains and furnishings of the wreck at auction and established himself, family and crew at Picton for several years. Captain Coffin was Bunbury’s first (unofficial) harbour pilot.

Physical Description

It is believed that parts of the keel and hull remain buried in the sand.

History

'Samuel Wright' was a three masted, wooden whaling vessel weighing 372 tons (also documented as 273 tons) and measuring 30.5 metres long.

'Samuel Wright' was registered as a whaling ship at Salem, Massachusetts. She was captained by Francis Coffin and owned by J B Osgood.

American whalers were drawn to the Western Australian coast because whaling gave a greater economic return than sealing due to the larger stock and higher prices obtained in Britain and North America for whale products, particularly oil. Whale oil was an essential lubricant in the early stages of the industrial revolution and was also an important lighting fuel.

In turn, the American whalers provided the residents of the foundling settlement of Bunbury with essential trade and barter.

'Samuel Wright' ran aground in July 1840 during a storm off Koombana Bay. Another ship, North America No 2, ran aground during the same storm. (B069)

Captain Coffin (or Coffey or Coffier) purchased the furnishings and remains of 'Samuel Wright' at auction and used the materials to establish himself, crew and family on 115 acres at Picton, on the banks of the Preston River. In 1842, he sold the property, including a number of ‘huts’ to Reverend John R Wollaston and returned to North America. Wollaston built St Mark’s Anglican Church on the site.

Coffin was Bunbury’s first (unofficia)l harbour pilot.

Surveyor Ommaney used the mast of the wreck of the 'Samuel Wright' as one of his trig points when he conducted the townsite survey in 1843.

Archaeology

SHIPWRECK

Integrity/Authenticity

No visible remains.

Condition

Unknown

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.