Tuesday Curatorial: Waratah & Papanui: Two Albany shipping mysteries

Two ships, two mysterious endings—both the SS Waratah and the SS Papanui vanished under baffling circumstances, leaving behind questions that still linger over a century later.

Often referred to as "Australia’s Titanic," the SS Waratah disappeared in 1909 after leaving Albany on just her second voyage. Despite extensive searches, no trace of the vessel or its passengers was ever found, making it one of history’s greatest maritime mysteries. To this day, its fate continues to baffle experts and ignite speculation.

A few years later in 1911, the SS Papanui met a fiery end on St. Helena during a migrant voyage to Australia. No passengers died, but the circumstances surrounding her demise were perplexing and could have been fatal.

What really happened to these ill-fated ships? Hear more about their stories and the theories that continue to spark intrigue and debate.

Presented by Malcolm Traill Research Associate at Museum of the Great Southern.