Ozone (paddle steamer)

The Ozone was a ship built in 1886 near Glasgow, in Scotland. It could exceed 17 kts and is regarded as one of the finest paddle steamers ever built.

Ozone passing Pile Light, Port Phillip (Unknown c.1910).
History
Name: Ozone
Operator: Bay Excursion Company
Builder: Napier, Shanks & Bell, Glasgow
General characteristics
Type: Paddle Steamer
Tonnage: 572
Length: 260 ft (79 m)
Beam: 28 ft (8.5 m)
Height: 10.6 ft (3.2 m)
Speed: 17 knots

Ozone was commissioned by the Bay Excursion Company and relocated to Australia, where it became a great favorite on Port Phillip Bay, in Victoria, and remained in service there for many years.

History
Paddle steamer Ozone on Port Phillip Bay (c.1900).
The wreck of the Ozone at Indented Head in the 1920s.
The wreck of the Ozone, offshore of Indented Head.

The Ozone's first bay excursion was on 18 December 1886, when she commenced a run between Melbourne and Queenscliff. On arrival she collided with the pier at Queenscliff.

In 1889, the Ozone was involved in a collision with the vessel Elfin, in Hobsons Bay, near Williamstown.

In 1894, she was involved in another collision, this time with the vessel May, in Port Phillip Bay.

The Ozone was withdrawn from service in 1918 and was sold to Melbourne shipbreaker J. Hill in March 1925. In October 1925 she was dismantled and her hull was sunk off-shore at Indented Head to form a breakwater for small craft.[1]

The wreck is gradually eroding away. In April 1991, the starboard paddle wheel collapsed, dramatically changing the configuration of the remains. One of Ozone's two anchors has been incorporated into an historical monument, which stands on the cliff-top near Taylor Reserve, Indented Head, overlooking the wreck.[2]

Dive location
Boiler from the Ozone paddle steamer January 2019

The wreckage of the Ozone remains visible about 50 metres offshore at Indented Head. The wreck is an easy shallow dive.

References
  1. "Ozone Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) Number S511". Victorian Heritage Database. Heritage Victoria.
  2. Charlesworth, Peter. "Ozone 1886–1925". Maritime Archaeology Association of Victoria. Retrieved 23 January 2015.

Further reading

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