Portland - Rocket Shed
The Portland Rocket Shed is a small bluestone heritage building erected in 1880 to store rockets used for rocket practice and maritime rescues. Its display features objects from Glenelg Shire’s Cultural Collection and tells the story of Portland’s rocket rescue crews.
Opening Hours:
The Rocket Shed opens in conjunction with nearby History House. Check current hours before visiting.
Opening Hours
Cost:
Free
Information Panels
Rocket Rescue
Rocket rescue of shipwreck survivors-was developed by the English Coast Guard specifically for in-shore wrecks.
In Victoria, the local volunteer lifeboat crews were trained to operate the equipment. They attended regular practice to establish expertise in handling the equipment, as shipwrecks usually occurred at night or during bad weather.
The goal was to fasten a line from shore to wreck, on which a breeches buoy could be shuttled between shore and ship to bring survivors to safety.
The process required transferring a light line to a wreck that was within 450 metres, by means of a rocket. The survivors would haul the line in, slowly drawing the second, heavier and continuous rope loop from the shore. This was tied to the mast, and then rescuers could send out a third line, also to be secured to the mast, and anchored on shore.
The rescuers could then attach the breeches buoy to the heavy line, and use the continuous loop to convey a survivor in the buoy from the wreck.
The process was effective, and could be undertaken on rocky coasts or surf beaches.
Portland’s Rocket Rescues
S.S. Admella - August 1859 - Carpenter Rocks, South Australia
Survivors clung to the wreck for a week before the Portland lifeboat was towed to the scene. Hand-held rockets were launched from the lifeboat but without success due to the raging winds and rocket failure. Lifeboat crew member John Johnstone bravely launched the rockets by hand, receiving severe burns for his efforts. The remaining 19 survivors were eventually rescued by the Portland lifeboat crew and a shore -based boat, during a lull in the stormy weather.
Tamora - November 1860 - Portland harbour
Put aground by a strong gale, the Tamora was in danger of complete destruction. To prevent the barque breaking up, the crew cut the main and foremast away. Rockets apparently fired from the Portland lifeboat enabled the crew to secure a line, and they made their way to the lifeboat and eventually to shore. The barque was wrecked, but all 14 crew were saved.
Jane - June 1863 - White’s Beach, Cape Bridgewater
The Jane was several hundred metres from shore when it was driven aground in squally weather. The rocket apparatus was transported from Portland and used three times without success. A cask was later used to float a line to shore. The line was secured, enabling the crew to make their way to the shallows where they were rescued by the shore party. All aboard the Jane were saved, but rescuer Waldy Hedditch perished in the wild seas.
Lady Robilliard - 1867 - Portland harbour
The victim of a severe gale, the Lady Robilliard was forced ashore in the night. In darkness and tremendous seas, it was several hours before a rescue attempt. Led by Captain James Fawthrop, the Portland rocket crew made contact with the wreck using the rocket equipment. A line was floated ashore and the ship’s master and crew of five were brought in one by one in a canvas bosun’s chair.
Location
Cliff Street, Portland 3305 View Map
Web Links
→ Rocket Shed Brochure (PDF)
