SS Loongana was a Bass Strait passenger ship initially owned by Union Steamship Company of New Zealand. In 1922 she was transferred to Tasmanian Steamers Pty Ltd. SS Loongana was in service between 1904-1934 and was the first ship registered in the Southern Hemisphere with steam turbine propulsion. During the 1912 North Mount Lyell Disaster she crossed the strait in 12 hours and 46 minutes at 22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph), carrying rescue gear from Victorian mines.

SS Loongana
built in 1904 and scrapped in 1934
History
Owner
BuilderWilliam Denny and Brothers
Launched1904
In service1904-1934
FateScrapped 1934
General characteristics
Tonnage2448 tons
Length300 ft (91 m)
Beam43 ft (13 m)
Speed20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)

Loongana is an Aboriginal word meaning to be swift or to fly.

Sources edit

  • Blainey, Geoffrey (2000). The Peaks of Lyell (6th ed.). Hobart: St. David's Park Publishing. ISBN 0-7246-2265-9.
  • Clements, Graham (2005). "Bass Strait Passenger Ships". In Alexander, Alison (ed.). The Companion to Tasmanian History. Centre for Tasmanian Historical Studies, University of Tasmania. ISBN 1-86295-223-X.

External links edit