One of the most catastrophic maritime disasters in South Australia's history is the sinking of the Star of Greece in the early hours of 13 July 1888, 200 metres off the coast of Port Willunga.

Laden with 16,002 bags of wheat the Star of Greece ran into a violent storm where it is estimated that 18 people died. The rescue response was disastrous for a number of reasons including poor telegraphic communications, bad roads and lack of good vehicles or horses to bring the necessary rocket equipment (to fire a life line) from Normanville.

Following the tragedy, newspapers and public opinion strongly criticised the Marine Board and its rescue operations. It was later revealed that the Government had drastically reduced funding that kept safety crew and equipment up to date.

This artwork was undertaken by maritime artist George Frederick Gregory in 1888. Most of his work was undertaken in watercolour and the majority of his known work consists of side profile ship portraits, although naval battles such as Trafalgar, shipwrecks, reviews of the fleet, and group compositions of both sailing and steamships were also depicted.

Star of Greece (Ship)

Manning, Geoffrey H. The tragic shore: the wreck of the Star of Greece and a history of the jetties of Port Willunga [Willunga, S. Aust.]: National Trust of South Australia, Willunga Branch, 1988

Sexton, Rae. Before the wind: tracing the impact on a small community and shipping company by the shipwreck in 1888 of the 'Star of Greece' Magill, S. Aust.: Australasian Maritime Historical Society, 1982

Loney, J. K. Wrecks on the South Australian coast: including Kangaroo Island Yarram, Vic.: Lonestone Press, 1993

Shipwrecks Australia [ABC] see : South Australia: Star of Greece)

Maritime Heritage South Australia. Dept of Environment & Heritage