The Anchors of the Loch Vennachar

The Loch Vennachar was a 1552-ton, three-masted iron barque that sank in West Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia in 1905.

Photo of one of the Loch Line vessels (similar to the Loch Vennachar)

(Source: SAAS archives)

The location of the wreck was unknown until three divers from the (then) Society for Underwater Historical Research (SUHR) located the site in February 1976.

That discovery led to a major expedition by the SUHR to the site in February 1977. Details of that expedition were written up in this report: -

The report features this piece about the anchors from the wreck: -

Further: -

The report features this drawing of one of the 'swing' or pivotting (Trotman) anchors: -

Here is the plan of the wreck's bow: -

This report about the conservation of the Loch Vennachar's best bower anchor was published in 1983: -

The report includes these details: -

Further: -

And: -

The restored bower anchor was later placed on display at West Bay, Kangaroo Island: -

Here, below, are further photos of the bower anchor (and others): -