84
NINETEENTH CENTURY SITES
Other archaeological sites in the Wallabi Group are related to shipwrecks of the colonial period and the fate of their crews. As well as contributing to the maritime history of the Abrolhos Islands, they represent shipping and trading activities along the Western Australian coast. Such sites reflect the gradual increase in colonial shipping and the navigational hazards these islands continued to present to mariners.
With no guano resources, wood or fresh water, it is possible that Beacon Island saw few visitors until western rock lobster fishers began constructing shacks in the 1950s. Accidental visits occurred when survivors from the stranded schooner Favourite camped on Beacon Island in 1857. The crew of the barque Hadda, which was wrecked in 1877, may also have stayed on the island. It is these events that may have been responsible for some of the stone structures and nineteenth century artefacts discovered on the island.
The Beacon
A plate coral cairn, or beacon, at the north-western end of Beacon Island is of uncertain origin, although it does not appear to be Batavia related. Surveyor A.J. Wells referred to Beacon Island as ‘Goss’ Monument’, a name apparently dating from 1858 when the schooner Favourite, under Captain Henry Goss, ran aground on a reef in the Wallabi Group. Three men were left on the island with stores for three months. Favourite was subsequently refloated and
continued trading, often carrying guano from the Abrolhos to Bunbury. Captain Goss also reportedly buried his wife on an island in the Abrolhos, although the name of the island is not confirmed. In 1867, the cutter Albert was reported to have struck a reef one kilometre from the island known as ‘Goss’ Monument’.
Plate coral cairn on Beacon Island.
Credit: WA Museum
Plate coral structure at the south-eastern end of Beacon Island, which may be associated with Hadda survivors.
Credit: Paul Bourke
Favourite (1856-1867).
Credit: R. Shardlow
Favourite
The colonial schooner Favourite was stranded near Beacon Island in 1857, but was able to be refloated by the crew. It was eventually wrecked in 1867 when it struck a reef trying to leave Port Gregory.
On 6 January 1858, the Inquirer and Commercial News reported:
… The FAVOURITE, we are sorry to hear, was wrecked at a reef on the Abrolhos, on Tuesday, 15th ult. [December 1857]. The sails, spars, &c, were saved, and, as far as could be ascertained, she had received but little damage. She was so high upon the reef the crew could walk around her at low water.
The captain (Henry Goss) and some of the crew started in a whaleboat on Saturday 19th ult., and got as far as King’s Table Hills, when they were forced to bear up for Port Gregory, at which place they were on the 20th ult., and would leave as soon as wind permitted for Fremantle.
The FAVOURITE has lost her false keel, her main keel is splintered, and some bolts and trenails have been started. Three men were left on the island, who have another boat in their possession, and sufficient stores to last three months. The owner of the FAVOURITE, Mr J. Bateman, proceeds to the Abrolhos as soon as the whaleboat arrives from Port Gregory.
