The Loch Ard was an iron-hulled clipper ship built in Scotland in 1873 by Charles Connell and Company of Scotstoun, Glasgow. It measured approximately 262.7 feet (80.1 meters) in length, with a beam of 38.3 feet (11.7 meters) and a depth of 23.0 feet (7.0 meters). The vessel had a gross register tonnage of 1,693 GRT and a net tonnage of 1,624 NRT. Designed as a full-rigged ship, Loch Ard was equipped with three masts, typical of the iron clipper style, and was intended for long-distance trade routes between Great Britain and Australia. Named after Loch Ard in Scotland, the ship served for the Loch Line of Glasgow, operated by the General Shipping Company. Her official number was 68061, and her code letters were WSGD. The vessel's service history was marked by significant challenges; notably, she was dismasted twice during her maiden voyage from Glasgow to Melbourne. The first incident occurred in December 1873, just days after departure, but she was able to return for repairs. The second, more severe dismasting happened in April 1874 during a gale in the Southern Ocean, where all three masts were broken. Despite this, her crew managed to bale out water and rig jury-masts, allowing her to reach Melbourne on 24 May. In her final voyage, Loch Ard departed Gravesend, Kent, on 1 March 1878, under the command of Captain George Gibb, with a crew of 36 and 18 passengers, carrying a cargo of approximately 2,275 tons, including luxury goods such as a grand piano and a decorative porcelain peacock. On 1 June 1878, approaching Melbourne in heavy mist, Captain Gibb misjudged his proximity to the coast due to faulty chronometers and poor visibility. The ship ran aground on a reef near Loch Ard Gorge, quickly sinking within 10 to 15 minutes. The wreck resulted in casualties, but two survivors—Eva Carmichael and Thomas Pearce—made it ashore and were rescued. The wreck of Loch Ard remains at a depth of 25 meters and is now a popular site for recreational diving. Its cargo, relics like the porcelain peacock and a rare Georgian pocket watch, and its tragic story have cemented its maritime significance. The ship's wreck and the story of survival and loss continue to evoke historical interest, especially in the region of Victoria, Australia.

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