Stern of the Croesus Being Repaired.

Rare engraving of the steam ship Croesus being repaired at Berry’s Bay, Sydney.

10th April 1854. Arrived at Port Phillip after a series of machinery breakdowns. Among other difficulties, the shears, which had to be rigged up for hoisting the screw, did not answer the purpose well, and the chains employed so far interfered with the action of the compass, that another one had to be planted forward to steer the ship by.
16th April 1854. Sailed from Port Phillip.
19th April 1854. Arrived at Sydney.
1st / 8th May 1854. Arrived at Moore’s Wharf, Sydney.
10th May 1854. Undergoing repairs at Sydney as she is very leaky about the plates of her stern.
22nd May 1854. Able seaman Peterson was found floating in the harbour after an accident will sailing in the harbour.
29th May 1854. At Berry’s Bay, Sydney. A report from the local paper states ‘The repairs of this steamer are progressing satisfactorily; the erection of the coffer-dam is now completed, and is sufficiently water-tight to be kept free with one pump – the leak which apparently is confined to the sternpost, can be got at with ease; and it is hoped all the necessary renovations will be completed in a few days; the diver went down to examine her bottom reported that all outside the dent is perfectly sound.’

From the Illustrated Sydney News.

References:
Gibbs & Shallard. Illustrated Sydney News. ISSN 2203-5397.

Collections:
State Library New South Wales: F8/39-40
State Library Victoria: PCINF SLVIC=1853-1872
National Library Australia: Bib ID 440095