Star of Greece facts for kids
The Star of Greece was a large, fast sailing ship known as a clipper. It had three masts and was built in 1868 by a famous company called Harland and Wolff in Belfast. This ship was made for JP Corry & Co. and became well-known for its journeys across the oceans.
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The Star of Greece: A Famous Clipper Ship
The Star of Greece was a special type of sailing ship. Clippers were designed to be very fast. They had sleek hulls and tall masts with many sails. This design helped them travel quickly across the seas, carrying goods from one country to another.
Early Journeys and Cargo
When it was first built, the Star of Greece sailed on a busy and profitable route. It traveled between Calcutta, India, and Britain. On its way to India, it often carried coal. Coming back to Britain, it transported goods like jute, which is a plant fiber used to make ropes and bags.
A Fire at Sea
During one of its trips, the Star of Greece faced a big challenge. A fire broke out in its cargo of coal. Luckily, the ship was built with a clever design. It had three separate sections, called holds, that were separated by strong steel walls called bulkheads. The crew worked quickly to pump water into the burning section. This helped them put out the fire and keep the ship safe. The Star of Greece was able to continue its journey and arrived safely in Calcutta.
Changing Routes: A New Era of Trade
In the 1870s, things started to change for clipper ships. New steamships became more popular because they could travel faster and didn't rely on wind. Also, the Suez Canal had just opened. This new canal allowed steamships to take a much shorter route through the Mediterranean Ocean, instead of sailing all the way around Cape Horn or the Cape of Good Hope.
Because of this new competition, sailing the old routes to India became less profitable for clippers. So, the owners of the Star of Greece decided to send it on a different journey. They chose the route to Australia, which was still a good way to make money. On these trips, the ship would carry various supplies to Australia. For the return journey to Britain, it would be loaded with Australian goods like wool and wheat.
The Final Voyage and Wreck
On July 13, 1888, the Star of Greece was on its way to Australia. Sadly, it met a terrible storm off the coast of Port Willunga in South Australia. The powerful winds and waves caused the ship to sink. Tragically, 18 members of the crew lost their lives in the disaster.
After the sinking, two official investigations were held. Both investigations concluded that the ship's Captain, Henry Russel Harrower, was responsible for the wreck.
The Star of Greece Today
Even though it sank over a hundred years ago, the Star of Greece is still important today. Its remains lie in relatively shallow water, quite close to the shore. This makes it an easy and popular spot for people who enjoy recreational diving. Divers can explore the shipwreck and learn about its history underwater.
