Maitland, Iron paddlesteamer wreck in Broken Bay, Australia.
The Maitland is an iron paddlesteamer that sank in Broken Bay and has rested on the seafloor since the disaster. The vessel operated as a passenger ship carrying travelers between Newcastle and Sydney before meeting its tragic end.
Built in Scotland in 1870, the ship operated successfully as a passenger vessel until it met disaster during a severe storm in May 1898. The catastrophe occurred suddenly, claiming many lives and leaving a permanent mark on the region's maritime history.
The wreck became deeply connected to local identity, with the bay named after the disaster to remember those who perished in the waters. This naming reflects how maritime tragedies shaped the way communities mark and remember their coastlines.
The wreck is accessible to divers interested in exploring it underwater, requiring preparation for open water conditions in a bay setting. Better visiting conditions occur outside stormy periods when waters are calmer and visibility is improved.
Daisy Hammond survived the wreck as an infant and later requested her ashes be scattered at the site, creating a personal connection that spanned her entire life. This remarkable gesture demonstrates how a single tragedy can echo through generations.
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