Thomas Musgrave (castaway) facts for kids

Thomas Musgrave (born May 10, 1832 – died November 7, 1891) was an Australian ship captain and lighthouse keeper. He had an amazing adventure when his ship, the Grafton, crashed. He was stranded on the cold Auckland Islands for more than 18 months! Later, he became a lighthouse keeper.

Early Life

Thomas Musgrave was born in Durham, England. This was in the north-east part of the country. He started working on ships when he was just 16 years old. That was in 1848, sailing from Liverpool. In 1854, he married Catherine Halcrow Sinclair in Canada. Four years later, in 1858, he moved with his family to Australia. Australia became his home for the rest of his life.

Shipwreck Adventure

Musgrave's last trip as a ship captain began in 1863. He left Sydney on November 12. His goal was to find minerals and hunt seals. He planned to visit Campbell Island and the Auckland Islands. These islands are south of New Zealand.

His ship, the brigantine Grafton, crashed. This happened in Carnley Harbour, Auckland Island. It was early January 1864. The ship's crew, five people in total, were stuck. They were stranded for a very long time.

They worked hard to fix the ship's small boat, called a dinghy. In July 1865, three of them, including Musgrave, set sail. They traveled about 400 kilometers (250 miles). Their destination was Stewart Island. They made it and were able to get help. After this incredible journey, Musgrave wrote a book. It was called Castaway on the Auckland Isles. It told the story of his survival.

Life as a Lighthouse Keeper

After his rescue, Musgrave was reunited with his family in 1865. He promised his wife he would not sail far out to sea again. In 1867, he started a new job. He became a maritime pilot at Lakes Entrance, Victoria. This job helps guide ships safely.

In 1869, he began his career as a lighthouse keeper. He worked along the Victorian coast. His first lighthouse was Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse. He was in charge there. Later, he worked at other lighthouses. These included Gabo Island (in 1878) and Cape Schanck (in 1884). He also worked at Cape Otway (in 1887). His final lighthouse was Point Lonsdale Lighthouse.

Thomas Musgrave passed away when he was 59 years old. He is buried with his wife in Queenscliffe, Victoria. They were married for 37 years. They had a large family with 16 children.