Loch Vennachar was an iron-hulled, three-masted clipper ship constructed in Dalmuir, Scotland, by James and George Thomson and launched on 4 August 1875. Its dimensions included a length of approximately 250.1 feet (76.2 meters), a beam of 38.3 feet (11.7 meters), and a hold depth of 22.4 feet (6.8 meters). The vessel’s gross register tonnage (GRT) was 1,557, with a net tonnage (NRT) of 1,485. Originally rigged with fidded royal masts, the ship’s design was later modified to improve stability, adopting topgallant and royal masts with crossed yards. Loch Vennachar was operated by the Glasgow Shipping Company, part of the "Loch Line," and dedicated to the wool trade between Australia and Britain, primarily carrying around 5,500 bales of wool per voyage, along with other cargo and passengers. Her maiden voyage commenced on 6 September 1875 under Captain Francis Wagstaff, and she subsequently served under several captains, including William Robertson, James S Ozanne, William H Bennett, and William S Hawkins. Notably, the ship survived a cyclone in June 1892 in the Indian Ocean, during which she was dismasted. Despite severe damage, her crew managed to rig a spar and sail, enabling her to reach Mauritius after five weeks. For her bravery and resilience, Captain Bennett received Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea. Loch Vennachar’s service ended after a collision while at anchor in the Thames Estuary in November 1901, which caused her to sink. She was raised, repaired at a cost of £17,000, and returned to service. Her final voyage commenced in June 1905 from Glasgow to Australia. She was last sighted on 6 September 1905, speeding past Kangaroo Island, and was subsequently lost with all hands off West Bay, Kangaroo Island, by late September 1905. The wreck was discovered in 1976, lying at a depth of 12 meters, with her anchors still in place, indicating no attempt to avoid the collision. The site is protected under the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976, and artifacts such as anchors have been recovered and preserved, contributing to her maritime historical significance.

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