Orizaba still capturing imaginations

The following article is based on information taken from the local paper and from the Fremantle Maritime Museum website. The Orizaba is the sister ship to the Ormuz. They belonged to the Pacific Steam Navigation Company whose fleet all had names beginning with the letter 'O'. It is a small coincidence that the Orizaba was wrecked on Five Fathom Bank which is almost within view from my house.
With a rich history of vessels falling victim to treacherous reefs and rocky outcrops, Rockingham's coast is a treasure trove of shipwrecks. And with planning under way to sink the Saxon Hanger trawler in the West Coast Park off Garden Island, divers are rediscovering the wreck of the SS Orizaba which sank 100 years ago.
THE SS Orizaba was built by the Barrow Ship Building Company for the Pacific Steam Navigation Company and was used for the Royal Mail service.
Designed for the fast trade, the vessel was considered to be a great improvement on existing designs. It had three decks, was fitted with 3 triple-expansion engine of 7,000 hp and was capable of a speed of 14 knots. The vessel could carry 126 first-class, 154 second-class and 400 steerage-class passengers. It was one of a number of vessels that established the tradition of Orient Line ships on the Australia run and had names that began with '0'. On February 15, 1905 the Orizaba was 286 nautical miles south off Rottnest Island, under the command of Captain Archer. The following day thick haze was hanging over a calm sea and the vessel was on a course for Fremantle at a speed of 14 knots. Aboard the vessel were 160 passengers and 2,500 tons of general cargo. By 9am on the February 16, Rottnest Island had still not been sighted. When land was sighted through the haze it was taken to be Buckland Hill, lying to the north of Fremantle. At 11.20am, breakers were seen off the starboard side and when the haze lifted land could be seen on both sides of the vessel, although Fremantle was nowhere in sight. The ship was stopped and soundings taken all around which indicated a depth of between six and eight fathoms. A new course was steered as the vessel sought the open sea.
Just as the passengers were preparing for lunch the ship came to a sudden halt, grounding on Five Fathom Bank. The engines were immediately put full astern but the vessel stuck fast with its midship section resting on a sand and limestone outcrop. Message of the wreck reached the harbourmaster and the tug ‘Ganner’ arrived and took the passengers, off, together with the luggage and mail. The remaining crew and Captain Archer were all off the vessel by February 21.Salvage operations were started immediately The engine room had been flooded but the holds had remained dry. On Friday, February 18, 875 tons of dry cargo had been removed from the wreck. On the following Monday, the watertight bulkheads gave way and further salvage had to be undertaken by divers.
An auction of the cargo was held and items included 60 cases of drapery, one case of electrical goods, nine cases of merchandise and one case of bicycles. Machinery, varnish, chemicals, glassware, books and tea were also sold. The goods fetched 1,600 pounds. Examination of the hull revealed that it would be a difficult process to get the vessel off and there were insufficient resources in WA to attempt such a full salvage operation.
In 1907 the remains of the hull were still visible on the reef top. The remains of the vessel were sold at auction for 3,750 pounds and the remaining cargo for 500 pounds.
At the inquiry, Captain Archer was charged with having committed an error of judgment in attempting to take the vessel over Five Fathom Bank. He was censored and ordered to pay half the cost of the inquiry, although the court noted that the haze and strong current had contributed to the events.