 Ozone passing Pile Light, Port Phillip c.1910 | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | Ozone |
| Operator | Bay Excursion Company |
| Builder | Napier, Shanks & Bell,Glasgow |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Paddle Steamer |
| Tonnage | 572 |
| Length | 260 ft (79 m) |
| Beam | 28 ft (8.5 m) |
| Height | 10.6 ft (3.2 m) |
| Speed | 17 knots |
TheOzone was a ship built in 1886 nearGlasgow, inScotland. It could exceed 17 knots and is regarded as one of the finestpaddle steamers ever built.[citation needed]
TheOzone was commissioned by the Bay Excursion Company and relocated toAustralia, becoming a great favourite onPort Phillip Bay, inVictoria, and remained in service there for many years.
The first bay excursion of theOzone was on 18 December 1886, when she commenced a run betweenMelbourne andQueenscliff. On arrival she collided with the pier at Queenscliff.
In 1889, theOzone was involved in a collision with the vesselElfin, inHobsons Bay, nearWilliamstown.
In 1894, she was involved in another collision, with the vesselMay, in Port Phillip Bay.
TheOzone was withdrawn from service in 1918 and was sold to Melbourne shipbreaker J. Hill in March 1925. In October 1925 she was dismantled and herhull was sunk off-shore atIndented Head to form abreakwater for small craft.[1]
The wreck is gradually eroding away. In April 1991, the starboard paddle wheel collapsed, dramatically changing the configuration of the remains. One ofOzone's two anchors has been incorporated into an historical monument, which stands on the cliff-top near Taylor Reserve, Indented Head, overlooking the wreck.[2]
The wreckage of theOzone remains visible about 50 metres offshore at Indented Head, and is an easy shallow dive.
