The Navigator - "S. S. Admella" Memorial Print Page 
The Navigator memorial was originally unveiled in 1992 as a memorial to those who have died at sea along the South Australian coastline. The Navigator was moved from its original position in Saint Vincent Street with its large ship’s wheel, longitude and latitude, compass points and a new black granite block in time to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Admella.
The Navigator was unveiled and rededicated at a candle light vigil at 5.30 am on the 5th August 2009 marking the time SS Admella departed from Port Adelaide on her ill fated voyage in 1859.
The wreck of the SS Admella on Carpenters Reef in the early hours of August 6 1859 was the beginning of a horrific week for all on board the stricken steamer and the volunteers who struggled to rescue them. The Admella was sailing from Port Adelaide to Melbourne when it struck the reef. Within 15 minutes the ship broke up leaving passengers and crew clinging to the wreckage in sight of land with no water and very little food.
The loss of 89 lives over 8 days and the many failed rescue attempts makes the wreck one of the worst maritime disasters in Australia’s history.
Location
| Address: | Timpson Street, Queens Wharf , Port Adelaide, 5015 |
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| State: | SA |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -34.841685 Long: 138.506107 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Monument |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Disaster |
| Sub-Theme: | Maritime |
| Designer: | Karen Genoff |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Wednesday 5th August, 2009 |
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Plaque :
The work titled 'Navigator', is a memorial to those who lost their lives at sea along our coastline.
It was designed by S.A. artist Karen Genoff and was funded by the South Australian Government with assistance given by the Art for Public Places Committee through the Department of the Arts.
Opened in February 1992 by the Hon. R. J. Gregory M. P., Minister of Marine.
Plaque :
Ships have made a vital contribution to the development of South Australia as an early colony, carrying cargo and passengers vast distances. Tragically, prior to the many advances made to navigational aids more than 340 ships have been wrecked, most of them around the treacherous approach to St. Vincent`s Gulf.
The greatest single loss of life occurred when the Admella, en-route from Adelaide to Melbourne with a cargo of copper and passengers, was wrecked at Carpenters Rocks in August 1859. The ship broke apart leaving 113 people clinging to the wreck for 6 days. After numerous rescue attempts on high seas, 19 people were saved.
Rest in peace
