'Walter Hood', 1870

When it was launched in 1852, the clipper ship 'Walter Hood' was the largest vessel that had ever been built in Aberdeen, and perhaps Scotland. It was renowned for its excellent speed and sailing qualities.

It departed London on 22 January 1870, heading for Sydney, carrying 35 passengers and crew and a mixed cargo. Whilst sailing up the east coast of Australia it encountered a gale that stripped the vessel of its sails and swept one seaman overboard.

When land was finally sighted several days later (on Tuesday 26th April), the vessel was close inshore. It then did not have enough sail to beat out to sea, and was driven by the fierce wind onto a reef north of Bendalong where it began to break up. The captain, Captain Latto, was injured and the next morning was washed from his cabin and drowned. (It has since been suggested that, after being swept from his cabin, Captain Latto was attempting to reboard the wreck when one of the crew used an axe to sever Latto’s arm, effectively murdering him. This action was the result of the crew angrily holding him responsible him for the disaster. Visit: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/video/crime/x8p3ozy/the-chilling-murder-of-the-walter-hood-shipwreck/)

Fearing certain death on the collapsing stern, several of those on board attempted to swim to shore. Most were dashed against the wreckage and drowned, but ten did make it to shore.
Thirteen others clung to the upturned stern for four horrendous nights, eventually killing the captain's small dog to eat its raw flesh and drink its blood. They were finally rescued by a passing steamer, the 'Illalong'.

Meanwhile, a large crowd of spectators gathered on the beach and actively plundered the cargo strewn along the beach.

Today, the site of the tragedy is marked by a memorial and grave site in bush north of Bendalong.

Image: The wreck of the 'Walter Hood'. Engraving by Samuel Calvert (1828-1913) from 'Sydney Illustrated News'.