George Roper (ship)

The Four-masted Barque 'George Roper' by Joseph Witham
History
England
NameGeorge Roper
OwnerW. T. Dickson and Son
RouteEngland to Australia
BuilderW. H. Potter and Son
Maiden voyage10 February 1883, Liverpool
FateBroke up and sunk at Point Lonsdale on 26 August 1883
General characteristics
TypeIron barque
Tonnage
Length301.7 ft (92.0 m)
Beam39.1 ft (11.9 m)
Depth23.6 ft (7.2 m)
Sail planFour-masted
Wreck of the ship George Roper, Point Lonsdale by Fred Kruger

George Roper was a four-masted iron barque that was built for service between England and Australia, launching from Liverpool on 10 February 1883. On its maiden voyage, it carried 3,842 tons of cargo, including railway track for the Victorian government, liquor, chemicals, drapery, and dynamite. It reached Australia on 4 July 1883, but got caught on the reef at Point Lonsdale while being towed into Port Melbourne. The ship sat there for nearly two months before breaking up and sinking on 26 August. The wreck remains under 4–5 metres of water and is accessible to recreational divers.