The Loch Ard Gorge Tragedy

The captain said to a young woman his last words and wishes before the ship sank. He remained proud of his profession as a sailor. He perished in the sea with fifty-one others off the shores of Port Campbell. She survived the ordeal with the help of another survivor. Only two of them had reached land.

It could have been a material to a feel-good story about love, relationships, and tragedy. Except that it was a real story, and that there was neither love nor a romantic angle of it. There’s only a sea mishap, deaths, and survival. Heroism was a consequence of our desire to live despite a difficult circumstance.

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loch ard gorge shipwreck story

When somebody cries for help, it is an instinct to extend our hand. But most spectators want something out of a tragic incident. They want a story. And when there’s a story there must be a hero, or it would not be a story at all.

It had been the case of the fate of Loch Ard, a clipper from England bound for Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne. The cargo ship ran aground on a shallow reef near Mutton Bird Island on 1 June 1878.

The 29-year old Captain George Gibb with his 36-member crew and 18 passengers left England aboard Loch Ard on 2 March 1878. One member of the crew was the 19-year old apprentice Tom Pearce.

Carrying a large cargo, the clipper sailed for Australia on a 3-month voyage. As Loch Ard approached Cape Otway, it was hazy. Visibility was poor. The captain noticed very late the ship was on a collision course with a rock.

The shipwreck left only two survivors in Mr Pearce and Ms Evaline Carmichael, a 19-year old Irishwoman who was on a trip to Melbourne with her family. All 52 passengers of Loch Ard perished in the cold waters including the ship’s captain and Ms. Carmichael’s family.

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loch ard gorge great ocean road

When Mr Pearce reached the shore, he heard a woman’s cry for help. He jumped into the water again to rescue Ms Carmichael. She was unconscious when they reached land. He revived her with the help of brandy that was washed ashore.

The young sailor raised the alarm to local pastoralists. Two men from Glenample Station came out and helped them. Rescue efforts were carried out to save the ship’s passengers but no other else made it to the shore. All the victims of the Loch Ard tragedy were buried at the foot of the gorge named after the unlucky ship.

In Melbourne, Mr Pearce received a hero’s welcome. News of his heroism spread throughout Australia, India, and England.

The story would have been a fairy tale if it had a romantic twist. The young lady married the heroic young man who saved her. But that was not the case of Ms Carmichael who was only being true to herself. She married a European aristocrat. Mr Pearce was a sailor and continued to be so until his death twenty years later in Southampton.

The ill-fated clipper made its maiden voyage in 1873, survived a stormy journey on the Indian Ocean in 1874, and ended up shipwrecked in 1878.

loch ard gorge shipwreck
loch ard gorge

There had been approximately 800 reported shipwrecks off the Bass Strait since 1797, but only a little more than a hundred were discovered.

Tragedies expose human vulnerability. The fate of Loch Ard is a poignant reminder that we are frail and fragile.

Today, two pillars named after Tom and Eva stand near Loch Ard Gorge.

loch arch gorge

Related Tours

Welcome to the incredible Loch Ard Gorge tour by Wildlife Melbourne Tours! Today we will take you on an adventure to one of the most mesmerizing spots on the Great Ocean Road. Our experienced tour guides will pick you up from our Melbourne spots and take you on a journey to witness the stunning coastal vistas that lie ahead.

As we drive through lush green forests, stunning beaches, and towering cliffs, our professional guides will give you insights and fun facts about the Great Ocean Road. The journey itself is an experience you won’t forget!

Arriving at Loch Ard Gorge, you’ll be struck by the dramatic scenery—a breathtaking sight to see the towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Our knowledgeable guides will enrich your experience with stories about the infamous shipwreck of Loch Ard and Tom and Eva, the two survivors who managed to find their way to safety.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the gorge and soak in the beauty of the natural landscape. You can take a stroll along the beach, feel the sand tickling your toes, and take a dip in the water. With the freedom to explore, you can choose to take a walk along the cliff tops and view the gorge from above.

During the tour, you’ll also have the chance to witness Australia’s unique wildlife. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins or whales playing in the ocean – a truly memorable sight!

After a day of adventure and stunning natural beauty, we’ll take you back to your Melbourne accommodation. With memories that will last a lifetime and a newfound appreciation of the beauty of Australia’s coastline, this tour is the perfect way to experience the Great Ocean Road.

Book your Loch Ard Gorge Tour with Wildlife Tours today!

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