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Ozone (paddle steamer) facts for kids

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Ozone Painting.jpg
Ozone passing Pile Light, Port Phillip (Unknown c.1910).
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History
Name Ozone
Operator Bay Excursion Company
Builder Napier, Shanks & Bell, Glasgow
General characteristics
Type Paddle Steamer
Tonnage 572
Length 260 ft (79 m)
Beam 28 ft (8.5 m)
Height 10.6 ft (3.2 m)
Speed 17 knots

The Ozone was a famous ship built in 1886 near Glasgow, in Scotland. It was a very fast paddle steamer, known as one of the best ever made. The Bay Excursion Company ordered the Ozone. It then traveled to Australia. There, it became a favorite ship on Port Phillip Bay in Victoria. It served for many years, carrying people on fun trips.

History of the Ozone

The Ozone started its first trip on December 18, 1886. It sailed between Melbourne and Queenscliff. When it arrived, it accidentally hit the pier at Queenscliff.

In 1889, the Ozone was involved in a small crash. It bumped into another ship called Elfin. This happened in Hobsons Bay, near Williamstown.

Later, in 1894, it had another collision. This time, it was with a ship named May. This incident also took place in Port Phillip Bay.

The Ozone stopped carrying passengers in 1918. In March 1925, it was sold to a shipbreaker named J. Hill in Melbourne. In October 1925, the ship was taken apart. Its main body, called the hull, was sunk. It was placed off-shore at Indented Head. This was done to create a breakwater. A breakwater is like a wall that protects small boats from waves.

The sunken ship is slowly wearing away over time. In April 1991, one of its large paddle wheels broke off. This changed how the wreck looked underwater. One of the Ozone's two anchors is now part of a monument. This monument stands on a cliff-top near Taylor Reserve, Indented Head. It overlooks the old shipwreck.

Exploring the Ozone Wreck

The remains of the Ozone can still be seen today. They are about 50 meters (164 feet) from the shore at Indented Head. The wreck is in shallow water. This makes it an easy place for people to go diving and explore.

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