Historical information

This is a slide made from a post card which was issued some time after 1905. It depicts William Ferrier, the hero of the wreck of the La Bella which was wrecked near the breakwater in Warrnambool in November 1905 . The La Bella was bringing timber from New Zealand to Warrnambool when a huge wave struck the ship and she was dumped onto a submerged reef 100 metres from the breakwater. Because of the heavy seas the life boat was unable to rescue the seamen. William Ferrier, a South Warrnambool fisherman rowed out in his dinghy to the La Bella. He was able to rescue two of the five survivors, one of whom was the Captain..The loss of life was seven. The slide and the post card commemorate Ferrier's bravery..

Significance

This slide is of interest as a memento of the best known shipwreck in Lady Bay, Warrnambool.

Physical description

This is a multi coloured slide of a man holding an oar.He is wearing a hat and a jacket with his shirt tucked into his trousers. His left hand is placed against his hip.

Inscriptions & markings

William Ferrier