Emma Matilda

Reference: 5 January 1895

‘A sad disaster occurred of Sydney Heads on Wednesday, when Emma Matilda, captained by Mr Fred Bernsdorf, was wrecked, and the captain drowned, and his son narrowly escaped meeting a similar fate.

See also Daily Telegraph, Sydney account of the sinking.

The Emma Matilda was 20 years old. She was built at the McDonald River, and had traded the river for some three years making one trip a month. Her cargo consisted of flour, potatoes, onions, beef and ballast.

The Marine Board will hold an enquiry into the loss of the vessel on Monday next’.