FORMOSA
-
Share
-
Shortlist shipwreck
You must log in to do that.
- Download report
Statement of Significance
Formosa is historically significant as a rare Australian example of the technical innovation of Thomas B. Seath?s shipbuilding. The vessel has interpretive significance as an example of Rutherglen shipbuilding techniques and an historic shipwreck site. The archaeological significance still needs to be determined, however there is potential for significant wreck remains to reveal further aspects of Seath?s technical innovations and social life aboard vessels such as these.
SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA
CRITERION 1: HISTORIC
Formosa is historically significant as one of Thomas B. Seath?s small iron-hulled merchant vessels, famous for their longevity and shallow drafts.
CRITERION 2: TECHNICAL
The remains of Formosa have potential to reveal technical details of the development and building of these types of iron-hulled, small drafted merchant ships
CRITERION 3: SOCIAL
Formosa has a low level of social significance as the wreck site is not easily accessible or known and the counter stern section has not been exposed for long and may already by covered over.
CRITERION FOUR: ARCHAEOLOGICAL
The archaeological significance of Formosa still needs to be determined. Due the highly volatile nature of the environment around Point Nepean, the wreck is likely to be scattered and there are anecdotal reports that this is the case (marinelife.org.au). However diving in the area requires ideal conditions which means there may well be archaeological artefacts remaining on site. Depending on what survives there is high archaeological potential for this wreck to reveal information about Thomas Seath?s shipbuilding techniques.
CRITERON 5: SCIENTIFIC
Formosa is not currently the focus of any scientific studies.
CRITERION 6: INTERPRETIVE
Formosa has interpretive potential, not only as part of the Point Nepean wreck resource, but also as a representation of Seath?s small iron trading vessels that were well known during the later half of the nineteenth century. Formosa also has potential as an interpretive dive site.
CRITERION 7: RARE
Formosa is a rare example of a ship built by Thomas B Seath in Rutherglen and is the only example of one of his ships amongst Victoria?s shipwrecks.
CRITERION 8: REPRESENTATIVE
Formosa is representative of technical shipbuilding innovation during the nineteenth century.