Shipwreck mystery deepens as relics wash ashore

SHIPWRECK fragments have washed ashore at Shelly Beach in Ballina, reigniting speculation over their origins as a new book delves into the region’s maritime disasters.

Residents have been advised not to touch or move the wreckage, with the state government installing signage near one of the pieces.

It was originally believed to be part of the Comet, which sank in 1890. However, Ballina Marine Rescue boat captain Geoff Hutchinson, who has spent years researching shipwrecks, believes it could be from one of several vessels lost in the same era, including the Protector in 1901 or the Tomki in 1907.

“I don’t know if it was The Comet, it was just one of many at the time,” he said.

“I would think from the look of it, it might have been The Protector in 1901, but I wouldn’t want to say whether it is or isn’t.

“Most of the ships were timber and there are so many of them.

“They should move this one by crane and take it to the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum.

“I’m told it’s too big to put inside, but hopefully they can put it outside or find a spot for it.”

The discovery comes as Hutchinson prepares to release his book, Shipwrecked: History of Richmond River Bar Ballina 1840-2024, which chronicles more than 90 recorded shipwrecks along the Richmond River.

A longtime volunteer with Marine Rescue Ballina, Hutchinson has spent three years compiling the 440-page book, using newspaper clippings and historical records to present a detailed timeline of shipwrecks in the region.

“Nearly every boat touched the bottom (of the bar), there was moving sandbars where they had to sail in with square-rigged boats,” Hutchinson said.

“Ballina was the third largest port in NSW behind Sydney and Newcastle for freight.

“There could be up to 275 ships that ranged from 50 to 100 feet, they were timber sailing boats with no engines.

“Tugboats came along which reduced the wrecks.”

Hutchinson is raising funds to print the book, with all proceeds going to Marine Rescue Ballina, which is currently fundraising for a new rescue vessel.

A soft launch was held last weekend to generate support for the project.