SS GLENELG
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Statement of Significance
SS Glenelg is historically significant as one of the worst maritime disasters in Victorian history, with the deaths of at least 38 people and only three survivors. The wreck has the potential for archaeological significance with some of the hull preserved under the sand. These remains may provide unknown technical detail of iron shipbuilding, details of the refit the vessel underwent in 1898 and information pertaining to life on board a typical cargo/passenger vessel at the turn of the century. SS Glenelg is representative of the fleet of small iron steamers on the small country trading routes around Australia.
SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA
Significance assessed against criteria defined in Guidelines for the Management of Australia's Shipwrecks (1994).
CRITERION 1: HISTORIC
SS Glenelg has historic significance as one of the worst maritime disasters in Victoria?s history.
CRITERION 2: TECHNICAL
SS Glenelg may demonstrate technical significance in iron shipbuilding. Iron shipbuilders are known to have deviated off ships plans and, in addition, SS Glenelg was known to have had a refit in 1898 when sold to J.B. Ellerker.
CRITERION 3: SOCIAL
SS Glenelg has social significance as many of the relatives of those that died are still alive. The wrecking of the Glenelg is also one of the worst maritime disasters in Victoria.
CRITERION 4: ARCHAEOLOGICAL
Despite its isolated location, the archaeological remains have the potential to tell the story of shipboard life on a passenger/cargo steamer at the turn of the century. The hull rests on a sandy seafloor and if the hull becomes uncovered, there is the potential to explain the cause of the wreck.
CRITERION 5: SCIENTIFIC
SS Glenelg is not currently the subject of any scientific studies. However, as a part of the iron ship resource in Victoria, the wreck could contribute information to the ongoing national and international corrosion measurement studies.
CRITERION 6: INTERPRETIVE
There is a monument commemorating the wreck and those who died at Lakes Entrance. SS Glenelg is not currently the subject of any shipwreck interpretation. However, there is significant potential to interpret the story of the wreck and subsequent looting to raise community awareness.
CRITERION 7: RARE
SS Glenelg is a rare example in Victoria of a maritime disaster on such a large scale.
CRITERION 8: REPRESENTATIVE
SS Glenelg is representative of the fleet of smaller iron ships that transported cargo and passengers around the coastline of Australia towards the end of the 19th century. The wreck is also representative of the disaster that befell many such ships in treacherous seas and heavy winds.
*There is a 1000m diameter Protected Zone around Glenelg centred on position -38 33' 09" S 147 12' 27" E WGS84. No entry is permitted unless a Permit has been authorised by Heritage Victoria. *