PORT Stephens, the surrounding reefs and islands have the well-earned reputation as being a graveyard for shipping.
It was thought that the establishing of a lighthouse on Point Stephens in 1862 would solve the problem.
Unfortunately this was not to be the case, particularly for Captain Thomas Kehoe who continually ran aground.
From the 1860s, Captain Thomas Kehoe was the master of several large sailing vessels which sailed the waters of the east coast of Australia, and regional overseas ports.
He was the master of seven ships, six of which he owned, which were wrecked along the New South Wales coast between 1869 and 1898.
Three of these vessels were wrecked on the North Head of Port Stephens.
In his early sailing career, Kehoe was the master of ships owned by other parties, but in later years he became both the owner and master of his own sailing ships.
They mainly carried coal from Newcastle and Wollongong to overseas and Australian ports.
To maximise his financial returns, Kehoe sometimes purchased the coal himself and transported it to his own customers.
A study of his seven ship-wrecking experiences casts light on the dangers of the sea-faring profession he embraced.
He had no engines to get him out of a difficult spot, or radios to help him receive advice on treacherous sea conditions.
Despite his persistent problems with sea wrecks, he was seemingly regarded as a competent sailor and Captain, having over 35 years’ experience.
Perhaps his judgement at times could have been questioned.
Of particular interest are the three ships which were wrecked on the North Head of Port Stephens over a two period in 1885 -1886.
It is likely many tons of coal would have been deposited at the entrance to the Port Stephens harbour as a result.
The Stag
The Stag was a barque of 307 tons, and was built in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1865.
She was engaged for some time in the trade between Auckland and Newcastle and was later purchased by Thomas Kehoe.
She was lost off the North Head of Port Stephens on 27 January 1885, being Captain Kehoe’s first shipwreck in the area.
The Fanny
Two months after the sinking of the Stag, Captain Kehoe lost another of his ships – the Fanny. She was a brigantine of 164 tons and was wrecked on the North Head of Port Stephens on 18 April 1885.
The Emperor
And so for a third time, Captain Kehoe lost another vessel, the Emperor, which was also wrecked in the same vicinity of Port Stephens.
The Emperor was a wooden brig of 295 tons being built in Great Britain in 1868 and registered to Captain Kehoe in Sydney.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
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