- Shipwreck confirmed as earliest known wreck in the Swan River
- Maritime Archaeology Association of WA discovered the barge wreck off Point Walter in 2023
- Western Australian Museum experts confirm the barge was wrecked in a storm in 1882
- State Government’s detailed 3D multibeam surveys of the Swan River were instrumental in the find
The WA Museum has confirmed that a shipwreck found in September last year is the earliest known shipwreck discovered to date in the Swan River.
The wreck is of a barge owned by Mr Dearden, lost in 1882 whilst carrying limestone from Fremantle to Perth.
Detailed 3D multibeam surveys of the Swan River riverbed, publicly released by the State Government, aided the initial discovery, which was made by members of the Maritime Archaeology Association of Western Australia (MAAWA).
Since the initial discovery in 2023, the WA Museum has carried out detailed investigations of both the site and historical records to identify the wreck, and to determine its age and historical and archaeological significance.
Key elements to assist the identification process included the style of the wreck, its location and depth, and a large ceramic demijohn found on the wreck site.
The wreck is historically significant, demonstrating the importance of the use of barges on the Swan River for transporting bulk cargoes between Fremantle and Perth in the 19thcentury, prior to the introduction of motorised vehicles.
The wreck also has significant archaeological value given its intact condition and ability to demonstrate the layout and means of transporting stone aboard a typical Swan River barge.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“I commend the outstanding work of the WA Museum and Maritime Archaeology Association of WA for integrating state-of-the-art search technology and historical research to find and identify this historic wreck.
“WA has a rich maritime history with more than 1,600 ships wrecked off our vast coastline. It is exciting to see how new technology is unveiling further glimpses into our maritime history.
“Having identified the wreck from 1882, it is protected under the State’s Maritime Archaeology Act. While people may visit or dive the wreck, it is important to remember it is an offence to anchor on, damage or remove objects from a protected site.”
