The vessel
Denton Holme, built in Belfast, was owned by J. P. Corry and Company
and formerly known as Star of Denmark. The ownership was transferred
to the Hines Brothers in 1890 and that appears to have been when the vessel
was renamed. Information in Lloyd's Shipping Register indicates that the
vessel often made voyages from Liverpool or London to India.
On 23 June 1890 Denton Holme sailed from Glasgow to Fremantle
with a cargo including 1 275 tons of iron pipes for the new Perth waterworks,
cement and 250300 tons of general cargo, a large portion of which appears
to have been alcohol. The master was Captain Rich who had visited the colony
six years previously.
The wreck event
Rottnest Island was sighted on the evening of 24 September. The blue
light signal for a pilot was burned but by the time an answer was received
the vessel had come quite close to land. Captain Rich gave orders to change
tack as breakers were seen on the starboard beam. The yards were trimmed
but the vessel struck reef at a point between Transit Reef and Kingston
Spit.The pilot boat was sent out and efforts were made to get Denton
Holme off the reef. Orders were given to clew up the sails to prevent
the vessel from moving forward to a more dangerous position. The boats were
launched.
News of the stranding was given to the harbour-master and SS Rescue,
with harbour and pilot crews aboard, was dispatched. Denton Holme
was found to be lying heavily on the reef, bow toward the south and a heavy
sea breaking over its stern driving the vessel further forward. The vessel
was threatening to break up and the seventeen crew made ready to leave the
stranded barque, together with their personal belongings (Cairns & Henderson,
1995:158).
Despite the moderating sea at Fremantle, conditions at Rottnest were
still very rough. All the moveable fittings on the main deck, such as hatchways
and skylights had been washed away, and much of the cargo was waterlogged.
The surveyor believed that the vessel's back was not broken but the possibility
of refloating Denton Holme was considered hopeless.
A porcelain doll's head from the Denton Holme
Inquiry
Prompted by the loss of £20 000 of cargo an official inquiry was
held. It was found that Captain Rich failed to heave to, after signalling
the pilot, and also failed to cast the lead. His certificate was suspended
for three months.
During the course of the inquiry it became apparent that for the three
weeks prior to the wrecking the cargo of iron pipes in the lower hold had
been shifting. It is possible that this rendered the vessel unsafe particularly
in bad weather. The captain,ware of this, was trying to get his vessel to
anchorage as quickly as possible and therefore did not heave the lead.
The role of the harbour pilot was also called into question. It was revealed
that the local authorities at Rottnest Island had nothing other than flares
to warn vessels that they were in danger. Following the inquiry it was suggested
that the light from the Rottnest Lighthouse be made more powerful, that
a telegraph across the island be established and that a red flashing beacon
be permanently established on Transit Reef. |
Salvage
Due to the awkward position of the vessel, attempts at salvage were very
difficult. However, a number of cases of the ship's stores were recovered.
By 1 October the wreck was reported to be broken in two forward of the mainmast,
the rift being about 1 metre wide (Cairns & Henderson, 1995:159). The
mainmast had gone overboard together with the mizzen topgallant mast and
gear. By 8 October the beach from Robb Jetty to Woodman Point was strewn
with empty cases and barrels that had washed ashore.
The cargo that had been saved was sold and included cases of spirits,
lamp glass, bacon and drapery. Early the next year salvage continued, using
the services of a diver. Two of the salvors were fined for smuggling spirits
and beer from the wreck.
Site location
This site lies on Transit Reef, Thomson Bay, Rottnest Island. On leaving
Thomson Bay wharf sail north-west between the reef.
A china mug from the Denton Holme.
Site description
The wreck site lies on a similar axis to the wreck of the SS Macedon
with the bow to the east on a reef bottom and at a depth of 7 metres across
most of the site, but one section of the hull is lying within 2 metres of
the surface.
The vessel's floors are evident with the collapsed hull section scattered
around. The bow section lies proud of the sea-bed and is the most prominent
feature on the site. Water pipes are evident but few artefacts, hull structure
or ship's fittings can be seen.
Statement of significance
Historical
This site is of historical significance as the remains of a vessel important
in the development of Western Australia. Its loss would have significantly
delayed the progress of building the public waterworks. Also, the shipwreck
stimulated the improvement of navigation facilities at Rottnest Island and
at the approaches to Fremantle. The wreck highlights the hazards faced by
colonial shipping. The loss of two other vessels, Janet and SS Macedon,
on the same reef during this period also verifies the difficulties of making
approaches to Fremantle.
References
Cockram, C., 1990, The Macedon and the Denton Home,
Maritime Archaeological Association of Western Australia Reports, No. 4, July
1989June 1990:18-21.
McCarthy, M., 1980, Denton Holme, unpub. Wreck Inspection Report, Department of Maritime Archaeology, Western Australian Maritime Museum, No. 63.
Murphy, M., 1990, in Cockram, C., 1990.
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