Norfolk History/079

The Sirius was built in 1780 for the East India trade, and named the Berwick, but having caught fire was purchased by the Admiralty in 1781, repaired and used as a store-ship. She made two voyages to the West Indies, and was then laid up until required in 1787 for a voyage to New South Wales as guard ship to the first convict transports, and was re-named Sirius. The Sirius was built in 1780 for the East India trade, and named the Berwick, but having caught fire was purchased by the Admiralty in 1781, repaired and used as a store-ship. She made two voyages to the West Indies, and was then laid up until required in 1787 for a voyage to New South Wales as guard ship to the first convict transports, and was re-named Sirius. She left Sydney on March 7, 1790, with 400 marines and convicts and provisions for Norfolk Island in company with the Supply. She safely landed all the people on March 13 and 14, but had then to keep to seas on account of heavy weather until the 19th, when in moderate weather they hove-to off the settlement in Sydney Bay, on south side of the island to land provisions. Whilst loading the boats, the Sirius drifted too close inshore, and they were unable to beat out again either by tacking or wearing; they had no knowledge then that the foul ground extended as far from the shore as it really does and by leeway and sternway she was driven on to the shore reef in front of the settlement, and within a few minutes was a total wreck.

079.jpg - The Sirius was built in 1780 for the East India trade, and named the Berwick, but having caught fire was purchased by the Admiralty in 1781, repaired and used as a store-ship. She made two voyages to the West Indies, and was then laid up until required in 1787 for a voyage to New South Wales as guard ship to the first convict transports, and was re-named Sirius. The Sirius was built in 1780 for the East India trade, and named the Berwick, but having caught fire was purchased by the Admiralty in 1781, repaired and used as a store-ship. She made two voyages to the West Indies, and was then laid up until required in 1787 for a voyage to New South Wales as guard ship to the first convict transports, and was re-named Sirius. She left Sydney on March 7, 1790, with 400 marines and convicts and provisions for Norfolk Island in company with the Supply. She safely landed all the people on March 13 and 14, but had then to keep to seas on account of heavy weather until the 19th, when in moderate weather they hove-to off the settlement in Sydney Bay, on south side of the island to land provisions. Whilst loading the boats, the Sirius drifted too close inshore, and they were unable to beat out again either by tacking or wearing; they had no knowledge then that the foul ground extended as far from the shore as it really does and by leeway and sternway she was driven on to the shore reef in front of the settlement, and within a few minutes was a total wreck.

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