The Tuncurry was a wooden carvel screw steamer built in 1903 at Cape Hawke in the Australian state of New South Wales, that was wrecked when she sprang a leak whilst carrying explosives, cement, whiskey, jam and other general cargo between Sydney and Brisbane.

[1][2] which had a long career of at least 40 years and was scuttled on 9 April 1950 off Sydney although some reports say the vessel was burnt in Kerosene Bay in June 1952.

This house still stands and operates as a historic bed and breakfast[5] The original owners of the vessel was Allen Taylor & Company.

[7] During its transfer to the British Western Pacific Territories as the Tokelau and its associated modification into a yacht for the High Commissioner, it appears the superstructure of the vessel was increased to have a 162 GRT and a 92 NRT.

[3] The Tuncurry was powered by a single British-built steel boiler producing 120 pounds per square inch (827.37 kPa) of steam built by Fraser & Son of London England.

When the Tuncurry (1903) first entered service it was welcomed as it was seen that it would improve the Tuncurry region as can be seen from the February 1904 local paper report: It behoves all the Wallamba people to support their own boat; and it is quite evident that it is a great benefit to all to have a good steam service, as there is nothing which will enhance the value of a property in a district more than speedy and regular communication with the metropolis.

She is fitted throughout with the electric light, and carries a steward and stewardess; and with the genial and trustworthy Captain O’Beirne, one may feel some pleasure in going for a trip to Sydney.

The Tuncurry, which belongs to Messrs. Allen Taylor and Co.'s line, in charge of Captain E. P. O'Bierne, left Pyrmont on Saturday night on her regular week's end trip to Cape Hawke.

The bulwark rail and stanchions were driven on board by the impact, and passengers who were berthed in the deck house in the vicinity were imprisoned by the wreckage.

Seasickness and soreness and other discomforts soon wore away[15] Allen Taylor & Robert Anderson as well as John Wright sold their shares in the vessel 21 November 1908 to a Merchant Thomas D/Joroker Knox?

The position became so acute that the Government steamer Tokelau was commissioned to proceed round the southern islands with rations for the distressed natives.

It is proposed to bring the people from the northern end of the island of Nonuti to the central village Matan, to facilitate the serving out of supplies.

[18] While in the Gilbert Group the S.S. Tokelau was lying beached for cleaning in Tarawa lagoon and the Captain and Chief Engineer wanted to go out for a sail in weather that threatened to turn nasty, so they took a local, Teriakai to look after them.

He was an exceptionally welcome guest; his vital, stocky frame was the equal of a giant's for work, and the bubbling of his unquenchable humour kept his warders as well as his fellow-prisoners laughing and labouring from morning to night.

[19] The vessel was put up for sale August 1915: BROWN and JOSKE have been instructed by His Excellency the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific to sell by PUBLIC AUCTION' at their Rooms in Thomson street, Suva, on Saturday, 11 September, at 11 am.

This vessel is very suitable for trading in the islands For further particulars apply to The Secretary, Western Pacific High commissioner, Suva, or to the auctioneer.

[20] The vessel was sailed over by Captain Dearie with A H Hassell (the future registered owner) acting as its agents with it docked at Beatties wharf.

She had a 12 months survey, and this was her maiden trip in her new employer[16][22] As reported to the Superintendent of Navigation in Sydney on 23 October 1916 the vessel cleared at Customs House on at 1pm on the Saturday.

The vessel foundered on 23 October 1916 with a contemporary account given in the newspapers of the day: Captain Hutchins and ten men comprising the crew of the steamer Tuncurry (late Takelau),.had an exciting adventure off the coast yesterday morning.

Efforts were made by the captain to trace the cause of the leak, but all to no avail, and the soundings showed that the water was rapidly gaining on the pumps.

The position was serious, with several miles to cover before reaching shallow water, but all hands still worked hard to save the vessel.

The captain, officers, and men just had time to launch the lifeboat and jump clear when the Tuncurry took a heavy plunge and disappeared below the surface.

Favoured by a slant of wind the boat safely made the passage to the Heads, and the captain boarded the pilot steamer and reported the disaster.

Subsequently the crew landed and hurried off to their homes Captain Hutchins is unable to account for the leak, as the vessel had been overhauled before leaving port.

Though the steamer lost and engaged in the Cape Hawke trade she was brought here by the British Government some year ago and converted into a Yacht for the Commissioner at the Gilbert Group, and later sold to Messrs. Arthur H. Hassell &.

[22] The captain Sanders Campbell Hutchins (born Brisbane, Queensland 1863 received his mate Certificates of Competency 12 May 1898),[13] his mate (Morris Noel Cauvin), two engineers (Chief engineer Robert Clasper), three fireman (Joseph Edwards) and four sailors all of whom reached Watson's Bay in Sydney about 8 am on 22 October 1916, with no lives lost.