#OnThisDay 30 May 1886 the steamer SS Ly-ee-Moon ran aground off Cape Green lighthouse in southern NSW. The steamer was travelling from Melbourne to Sydney and struck a reef close to Cape Green in strong on-shore winds. The hull broke in two within 10 minutes of the steamer hitting the rocks. 71 people were killed and 15 were saved by lighthouse staff. Among the dead was Mrs Flora McKillop, the mother of Mary McKillop.
At the marine enquiry Captain Webber was charged with gross negligence, although he was not the officer in charge at the time of the accident.
Related
- Shipwrecks Guide
- Colonial Secretary's Special Bundles, 1874-1900 includes: the Wreck of "Lyee Moon" 1886, NRS 906 [4/871.1] (can be viewed in the reading room)
