The photograph of William Ferrier was given to Avis Quarrell by Lewis Ferrier, 3rd youngest son of William during the centenary of the wreck of the La Bella. The photograph was framed by the Henna Street Picture Framers, Warrnambool in 2005. The photograph is of William Ferrier, the 25-year-old fisherman from South Warrnambool, whose rescue of two sailors from the wrecked La Bella made him an overnight national hero. The La Bella was wrecked on 10th November 1905,and the remains of the vessel now lie on her port side in 13 metres of sheltered water inside the reef she struck. The bow section is relatively intact and part of the stern has drifted north-easterly towards the mouth of the Hopkins River. The reef the La Bella struck now bears its name. Several attempts were made by the Warrnambool lifeboat crew to rescue the stricken sailors on the La Bella, but the rough conditions made this difficult for the boat to get close enough to the ship and the lifeboat had to return to shore. A another rescue attempt was made by Ferrier who rowed a small dingy through the heavy seas and managed to rescue the Captain George Mylius, whom he landed on the breakwater. Ferrier then returned to the ship to attempt a final rescue, losing his oars and rowlocks into the high sea. Using just a spare paddle he swam towards the La Bella, reaching her stern in time to cut loose the lone surviving sailor, Payne, from the ropes and debris that held him to the ship; the terrified sailor dropped from the ship and into the dingy. Shortly after the last man was rescued, the La Bella was lifted by a huge wave and crashed back down on the reef; she broke up and sank. The survivors were taken to the nearby Bay View Hotel and gratefully received warm food and clothing, medical attention and a place to sleep. William Ferrier became a national hero as news of the daring rescue spread. In recognition of his bravery in the two daring rescues, he was awarded the Silver Medal for Bravery by the Royal Humane Society and was honoured in the letter from the Prime Minister and the Parliament of the Commonwealth, telegrams and a cheque for £20 from the Governor-General, over £150 subscribed by the public, including Warrnambool and district and readers of The Argus, and a gold medal from the Glenelg Dinghy Club of South Australia. Ferrier’s rescue efforts are one of the most heroic in Victoria’s shipwreck history.This photograph is significant at both a local and state level. Its connection to the La Bella shipwreck and the rescue of survivors highlights the dangers of Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast and demonstrates the bravery of ordinary Australians like William Ferrier who risked their lives to save victims of shipwrecks along the coast. Moreover, the photograph has an association with the sailing ship ‘La Bella’, as it is one of the only two shipwrecks discovered in Lady Bay, Warrnambool, out of the 15-17 shipwrecks known to have been wrecked in the bay.Framed sepia photograph, mounted behind glass. Portrait of a man seated on a log. He is wearing a brimmed hat, dark coloured jacket and trousers, and a light coloured collarless shirt with buttons. The figure in the photograph is William Ferrier.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, la bella, william ferrier, rescue, hero william ferrier

HMAS Sydney built by Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd., Wallsend on Tyne, United Kingdom Launched 22 September 1934 Engaged and sunk Bartolmeo Colleom 19 July 1940. On 19 November 1941 South West of Carnarvon Western Australia she was lost at sea with all hands after engaging the German raider Kormoran. On 19 November 1941, HMAS Sydney, a light cruiser of the Royal Australian Navy with an impressive record of war service, was lost following a battle with the German raider HSK Kormoran in the Indian Ocean off the Western Australian coast. The loss of the Sydney with its full war complement of 645 remains Australia’s worst naval disaster. The Kormoran was also sunk, but 317 of its crew of 397 were rescued. The fate of the Sydney remains one of Australia’s greatest wartime mysteries; even the location of the wrecks was not established until 2008.Black plastic frame with moulded pattern with grey mount containing photograph of ship and Sydney Harbour BridgeBanner - HMAS Sydney HMAS Sydney built by Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd., Wallsend on Tyne, United Kingdom Launched 22 September 1934 Engaged and sunk Bartolmeo Colleom 19 July 1940 Lost at sea with all hands 19 November 1941 South West of Carnarvon Western Australia after engaging the German raider Kormoran. hmas sydney, ww2

Contains records of different families memories of Peterborough and includes various photographs, some of Peterborough locations but not all are labelled.Significant because it preserves the information and memories which would otherwise be lost and includes old photographs over time of local residents and holidaymakers and glimpses of locations in Peterborough. Looseleaf folder containing stories and copies of photos of people who lived or holidayed in Peterborough.Some photos labelled with name, location and year but not all.cumming family, peterborough, florence calvert, owen moore, elephant rock, hope family, james wallace hope, the schomberg rescue

Demonstrates that gas and oil exploration has been occurring for at least 50 years. This records an incident involving an oil rig becoming detached and drifting on the rocks near Peterborough.Significant as it records an incident involving an oil rig becoming detached and drifting on the rocks near Peterborough. This was quite an event, and an eyewitness recalls how high and startlingly close the lights of the drifting rig appeared to be to the town. In daylight the rescue of the rig was an entertainment for the residents and holidaymakers.Photocopy of a two column article about an incident involving an oil rig.peterborough, oil rigs, marine rescue

The Joseph H Scammell sailed from New York on 13th January 1891 bound For Melbourne Australia. On 7th May 1891 she hit rough weather outside Port Phillip Bay, and hit the reef 400 metres off Port Danger, at Torquay. The people on board were rescued the next day but the ship broke up and cargo and goods were strewn along the foreshore. An auction of goods was conducted by Burns and Sparrow and this dish was purchased by Edwin Molyneaux, one of the Founding Fathers of Torquay, and donated by his Great Grand daughterThis item was rescued from the only shipwreck off Torquay. The focus of this wreck has formed part of Torquay's history and folkloreA solid rectangular clear cut glass dish, part of collection from the Joseph H. Scammell.Original Note of unknown author "off /Joseph H/Scammell/May7th 1891glass dish, wreck of joseph h scammell

Article retells the story of the rescue of the Scammell deckhouse which was incorporated into a Torquay home.A warm story of the survival of a significant part of the Scammell wrecked off Torquay in 1891.Black and white photograph

part of group of tally boards used by shore to ship rescue equipmentWooden board, curved at one end. .Black cloth tacked over with printed instructions (white). detail in English, French, German & Norwegian. Brown cord (hawser) ends whipped, attached.FASTEN TAIL BLOCK TO LOWER MAST WELL UP; IF MASTS GONE, THEN TO BEST PLACE HANDY; CAST OFF ROCKET LINE; SEE ROPE IN BLOCK RUNS FREE; SHOW SIGNAL TO SHORE

Item acquired from Lakes Entrance boat builder/owner who sold it to the PFHLS in 2008. Oil bags were part of the lifeboat equipment. Only one other example known is at the Port Albert Maritime Museum The oil bag was used to put oil on the sea's surface, to inhibit spray, wave burst and fear for survivors transferring from the shipwreck to the lifeboat. This was essential, as the lifeboat would never come close to the wreck, to avoid the risk of being damaged itself. The item is rare, and a vital part of the lifeboat's rescue equipment. The technique probably generated the phrase "pour oil on troubled waters" textile (flax) bag, shaped like a tennis racquet cover, with a brass tube attached to bag. The tube has a series of very small circular holes (in lines) arranged along the length of the tube. These were to allow the light oil contained within the bag to be sucked from the bag by a venturi action. The bag has a light line attached to it to secure to the lifeboat when in use (by casting the bag into the sea).. no markingsno markingsoil bag

London Bridge, pre 1990 was a double-spanning bridge connected to the mainland. The stack was created over hundreds of years, with the weaker layers toward the base being eroded away by wind and water to form the two bridges. The span closer to the shoreline collapsed unexpectedly on 15 January 1990, leaving two visitors, whilst uninjured, stranded on the outer span before being rescued by helicopter. Two coloured photographs of the London Bridge, on the Great Ocean Road. This photo was taken days before the collapse of the geological feature. The photographer walked across the bridge to the warning of her mother "if you go over there and it collapses you will be stuck. After the collapse it was renamed London Arch. london bridge, great ocean road, london bridge, peterborough, london arch, shipwreck coast, 12 apostles

The 'Heather B' was disabled in the morning of October 23 1957 when a huge wave shattered the wheelhouse south of Lakes Entrance, VictoriaBlack and white photograph showing crew of the fishing boat 'Heather B' being rescued by larger steamer Nanonia off Lakes Entrance, Victoria.fishing industry, ocean, ships and shipping

Three other photographs very similar, also newspaper cutting November 1985 in albumColour photograph showing bulldozer and rescuers on beach west of Western pier, attempting to re float the Posidon. Two fishing vessels standing by at sea, line of people holding long rope. Lakes Entrance Victoriafishing industry, ships and shipping, ocean

includes two other photographsColour photograph showing bulldozer and rescuers on beach west of Western pier, attempting to re float the Posidon. Two fishing vessels standing by at sea, line of people holding long rope. Lakes Entrance Victoriafishing industry, ships and shipping, ocean

Used by Mr. Gordon Blake of Ocean Grove, retired During WWII. The flares were black gunpowder in cardboard containers. The pistol was previously in possession of Coast Watch Radio and Marine Rescue Squad Inc., Ocean GroveBlack bakelite hand grip. Steel barrel 12cm long x 5cm dia. R F Sedgley Inc. Signal Pistol Mark IV. pt 8582 1-16-43 pAT.8-22-32gordon blake, signal pistol

Life Saving Medal found in a garden. Some research has been done to find out more about the person and the rescue but as of 2021 no more information has been foundRound Royal Life Saving Society metal medal with ring on top.Around edge- 'Royal Life Savings Society' Established 1891. in middle- Awarded to J.Arnett v 1938 reverse side around edge'quemcuhque miserum videris hominem scias'. in centre- 'Royal Life Saving Society' with crossed oarslocal history, numismatics, medals - civic, j.arnett, life saving

small dark green hardcover book with an illustration imprinted on the front in black ink of men and a woman standing on the shore retrieving items from a shipwreck. A barrel, ropes and anchor are shown on a wharf at the bottom left. The back cover has the initials of the publisher RTS ( Religious Tract Society) ornately written in black on a lifebuoy with the ocean bed below. The title, The Old Endeavour is imprinted with a gold coloured rope style lettering. The frontispiece illustration opposite the title page depicts rescue boats, a man saving a child in the sea with his mother close by. Some black and white illustrations throughout and ornate floral strips of decoration at the top of each new chapter. 158p.fictionAn adventure story of a shipwreck and rescue. ships fiction, adventure stories, stories for boys

Possibly used as a tool to rescue people who may have been in distress in the ocean off Gabo Island. It was removed from Cape Otway and returned to Gabo Island museum. Information printed in black on the orange, plastic, ring shaped buoy confirms the item’s association with Gabo Island Lightstation and also indicates that it was made in Australia by the Rotadyne company for the Department of Transport, which oversaw lightstations between 1950 and 1982, and 1983 and 1987. The buoy was repatriated to Gabo Island from Cape Otway Lightstation in July 2015. It is unknown how it came to be there or how long it had been there.It has second level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance.Circular orange plastic ring with printed in black around ring. Ring has raised inscription. Remnants of white reflective tape in four places. White rope tied to ring through four holes in a distinctive taught crossed pattern at the back of the bouy.On front printed in black, "GABO ISLAND LIGHTSTATION", and embossed "MADE IN AUSTRALIA', 'DEPT. OF TRANSPORT / APPROVAL CERT. No 2315' On reverse, 'ROTADYNE'

Rocket equipment which has been used in various lifeboat and rocket stations on the Victorian Coast. It is unclear if this is the original rocket equipment from Port Campbell. This equipment, if not original has been used in rescue operations and is identical to the equipment that has been in use at Port Campbell from C.1890 onwards.Metal, brass and timber tripod structure with a channel or trough to support the rocket. It has a pendulum and dial to measure the height trajectory. Very long wooden box with hinged lid painted a green-grey colour with four brass hinges and two rusted metal hooks.

Rocket equipment which has been used in various lifeboat and rocket stations on the Victorian Coast. It is unclear if this is the original rocket equipment from Port Campbell. This equipment, if not original has been used in rescue operations and is identical to the equipment that was in use at Port Campbell from C.1890 onwardsTwo cylindrical rockets made of base metal with orange painted wooden heads. Three long cedar, wooden sticks (octaganal) that attach to the rockets. They have spring clips and a section of metal and a sheath to protect the wood from fire and with grooves for the rope. One rocket is attached firmly to a stick. A long length of cotton/linen (?) rope is attached to one of the rocketsYes

This rocket equipment has been used in various lifeboat and rocket stations on Victorian Coast. It is unclear if this is the original rocket equipment from Port Campbell. This equipment, if not original to the site, has been used in rescue operations and is identical to the equipment that was in use at Port Campbell from C.1890 onwardsTwo canvas lifejackets, one is filled with cotton or silk and the other with cork. The jackets are sewn in sections that hold either the cork or the cotton/silk. One of the lifejackets has a separate strap and brass eyelets and buckles.

This rocket equipment has been used in various lifeboat and rocket stations on Victorian Coast. It is unclear if this is the original rocket equipment from Port Campbell. This equipment, if not original to the site, has been used in rescue operations and is identical to the equipment that was in use at Port Campbell from C.1890 onwardsTwo rope ladders, identical in format and length. The rungs are made from another type of material.

This rocket equipment has been used in various lifeboat and rocket stations on Victorian Coast. It is unclear if this is the original rocket equipment from Port Campbell. This equipment, if not original to the site, has been used in rescue operations and is identical to the equipment that was in use at Port Campbell from C.1890 onwardsFour rope strops, three are of equal length. Lengths of rope spliced or joined to form a circle of approx. 100cm diameter. The long rope is triple laid rope and the three shorter ropes are made of multiple small strings (approx.40) bound together. Use is yet to be determined.

This rocket equipment has been used in various lifeboat and rocket stations on Victorian Coast. It is unclear if this is the original rocket equipment from Port Campbell. This equipment, if not original to the site, has been used in rescue operations and is identical to the equipment that was in use at Port Campbell from C.1890 onwardsRope handled timber box with faking pins. The Rocket Line was attached to the rocket and fired over the ship in distress. The light rocket line, was folded in such a way that it paid out easily as the rocket shot through the air.

This rocket equipment has been used in various lifeboat and rocket stations on Victorian Coast. It is unclear if this is the original rocket equipment from Port Campbell. This equipment, if not original to the site, has been used in rescue operations and is identical to the equipment that was in use at Port Campbell from C.1890 onwardsEach of the five anchors have an iron ring (2 large, 1 medium, 2 small) to which are attached 5 iron hooks. Medium has 4 hooks.Each has an iron ring 2 large, 2 small to which is attached iron hooks.

This rocket equipment has been used in various lifeboat and rocket stations on Victorian Coast. It is unclear if this is the original rocket equipment from Port Campbell. This equipment, if not original to the site, has been used in rescue operations and is identical to the equipment that was in use at Port Campbell from C.1890 onwardsBody of rescue stretcher is canvas and timber slats. Straps of canvas webbing attached to sides. Rope loops at either end, rope runs along the length of stretcher. Opens out to secure patient.

This rocket equipment has been used in various lifeboat and rocket stations on Victorian Coast. It is unclear if this is the original rocket equipment from Port Campbell. This equipment, if not original to the site, has been used in rescue operations and is identical to the equipment that was in use at Port Campbell from C.1890 onwardsEach of the six iron pegs has a spike on one end and eyelet on the other.

This rocket equipment has been used in various lifeboat and rocket stations on Victorian Coast. It is unclear if this is the original rocket equipment from Port Campbell. This equipment, if not original to the site, has been used in rescue operations and is identical to the equipment that was in use at Port Campbell from C.1890 onwardsRope, 1cm light line

This rocket equipment has been used in various lifeboat and rocket stations on Victorian Coast. It is unclear if this is the original rocket equipment from Port Campbell. This equipment, if not original to the site, has been used in rescue operations and is identical to the equipment that was in use at Port Campbell from C.1890 onwardsRectangular box with fitted lid. All wood. Two rope handles at each end. Inscribed on lid -"Lights Illuminating Wrecks. Mark-IV 3 . 4/7/1910"Inscribed on lid -"Lights Illuminating Wrecks. Mark-IV 3 . 4/7/1910"