Use of rocket apparatus

The Notice to Mariners in the South Australian Government Gazette for 2 January 1862 lists the locations where the rocket apparatus is located, and provides the instructions for ships' captains and their crew to utilise the lines that would be fired from the shore or lifeboat to enable their rescue. The Notice also lists the locations of lifeboats.

The first boat Rescue was placed at Port MacDonnell in 1861. The South Australian government had acted quickly following the disastrous wreck of the Admella in 1859, and by 1862 there were lifeboats placed at Robe, Port MacDonnell, Encounter Bay and the mouth of the River Murray.

All crew were volunteers.

Dennett's rockets could be fired from the shore; they carried a light line. This was intended to be caught by a crew member or anyone aboard the stranding ship who could then signal the rocket crew. They then attached a heavier line which could then be pulled aboard ship. Once this was fastened and tightened a sling or life buoy could be used to get people to safety.

The rules needed to be strictly adhered to for the safety of all concerned both on shore and aboard ship.

Permission to use this item for any purpose, including publishing, is not required from the State Library under these conditions of use.

Buy a high resolution copy.