Wreck of the Dunbar near Sydney Harbour

Background. The Dunbar was a full-rigged ship designed and built from 1852 to 1853 by James Laing & Sons in Sunderland, England. Initially deployed as a troop ship in the Crimean War, the vessel did not become involved in the Australian trade until 1856. It was used for maritime trade, as a troop ship, and as a transport before its arrival in Australian waters.

Incident. On the night of 20 August 1857, the ship approached the entrance to Port Jackson from the south. Heavy rain and a strong gale made navigating difficult. The wreck occurred near the entrance to Sydney Harbour, Australia, resulting in the loss of 121 lives. The event ranks as one of Australia's worst maritime disasters.

Impact. The disaster had a significant impact on the developing colony of New South Wales. The contemporary population wished the event to be retained in living memory. The incident influenced the improvement of navigational aids in Port Jackson, specifically the construction of the Hornby Lighthouse. The wreck site and its associated relics are considered a significant component of Australia's maritime heritage.