The SS ‘Bellinger’ was a wooden cargo steamer, built by Mr D Sullivan in Coppernook, New South Wales, Australia – designed by Mr Sullivan’s nephew, Mr J Sullivan (Jnr).
The SS ‘Bellinger’ was fitted with:
” . . . The machinery, which was built by Chapman and Co. of Sydney, consists of engine (twin screw) with compound surfacing condensing cylinders 10 x 20 x 14 inch stroke. The boiler is a marine type, 10 ft long and 11 ft diameter. The shafts are fitted with Gyler’s patent sand excluders, steam windlass, and steam steering gear. She is fitted with a McFarlane steam winch. The gear for handling is of the latest type . . .”
Source: Excerpt Article ‘SS Bellinger’ – published in the Raleigh Sun, Bellingen – 15th October 1915
During the trial run across the measured mile in the Sydney Harbour, the SS ‘Bellinger’ averaged slightly over 10 miles (approx. 9 knots) per hour. She was designed to carry 70,000 super feet of hardwood on a 7 ft (2.13 m) draught. She ran on a weekly basis – weather and bar permitting . . .
Gross Tonnage: 240
Length: 128 ft (39.01 m)
Beam: 28 ft 7 in (8.71 m)
Draft: 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
Timeline:
October 1915 → built for: Mr F Doepel at a cost of £900, the agent being: Mr JC Cawood
11th October 1915 → the maiden voyage of the SS ‘Bellinger’, captained by Captain Petersen
“The s.s. Bellinger crossed over the Bellinger bar at 8.30 last Monday morning, on her maiden trip to this river, with a large cargo aboard, and after a splendid run from Sydney. This vessel was built exclusively for the Bellinger River trade, and most men, who should be capable of judging, say she is a model cargo boat . . .”
Source: Excerpt Article ‘SS Bellinger’ – published in the Raleigh Sun, Bellingen – 15th October 1915
5th September 1918 → The SS ‘Bellinger’ was wrecked on the Macleay River bar, NSW. The crew of eleven were saved . . .
