The SS Tararua was a passenger steamer built in Dundee by Gourlay Brothers in 1864. It measured approximately 222.6 feet (67.8 meters) in length, with a beam of 28 feet (8.5 meters) and a depth of 16.2 feet (4.9 meters). The vessel was powered by two 155-horsepower (116 kW) screw-driven engines, which allowed it to operate as a steamship suitable for passenger service across the waters of New Zealand and beyond. Originally rated at 523 tons net, her tonnage was later increased to 563 tons after modifications. Throughout its service, the Tararua had a notable incident in 1865 when it ran aground at Cape Farewell, New Zealand, but was refloated the following day without damage. Its most tragic history, however, is the sinking off Waipapa Point on 29 April 1881. Departing from Port Chalmers, Dunedin, en route to Melbourne via Bluff and Hobart, the ship struck Otara Reef during a dark, hazy night with clear skies overhead. The collision resulted in the vessel listing and breaking apart over the course of more than 20 hours. During the disaster, efforts were made by survivors to reach the shore, with some passengers and crew attempting to swim to safety amidst rising waves. Despite these efforts, only 20 out of 151 aboard survived, with approximately 74 bodies recovered and many buried in what became known as the "Tararua Acre." The disaster led to a court of inquiry that attributed blame primarily to the captain, F.G. Garrard, for failing to establish his correct position and for altering course prematurely. An able-bodied seaman was also faulted for not maintaining a proper lookout. The tragedy underscored safety deficiencies, leading to recommendations such as equipping ships with enough lifebelts for all passengers and building a lighthouse at Waipapa Point, which began operation in 1884. The sinking of the Tararua remains the worst civilian shipping disaster in New Zealand’s history, and the ship's loss prompted maritime safety reforms and memorials that continue to honor those who perished.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.