Australasian Steam Navigation Company

[3][4] The company's ships included:[2][5] On 11 March 1847, the Sovereign was wrecked in the South Passage off Amity Point, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland with the loss of 44 lives; there were 10 survivors.

[2][6] While the actions of Captain Cape in the disaster were praised by the survivors, many questions were subsequently raised about the fitness of the vessel for the voyage.

The other concern was the use of the South Passage with its surf and shoals; while it was the shortest route from Sydney, it was not the safest entrance to Moreton Bay.

[7] On 7 November 1862, the City of Sydney was lost at Green Cape, fortunately without loss of life.

[2] In April 1866, the steamship SS Cawarra was wrecked at Newcastle with the loss of all but one man.