On the 9th of September, 1803 Commander Flinders wrote to Governor King of New South Wales a letter that included the following passage: “I think it proper to notice to your Excellency that the great extensions of Lieutenant Fowler and his officers and company, as well the passengers belonging to the Investigator, in saving His Majesty’s stores, have been very praiseworthy; and I judge that the precautions that were taken will exonerate the commander of the Porpoise from the blame that might otherwise be attached to the loss of His Majesty’s armed vessel.”
Ship Name: Cato
Nationality: British
Ship Type: Private Merchant Vessel
Tonnage: 450
Year Wrecked: 1803
Location Wrecked: Wreck Reefs in the Coral Sea
Lives Lost: 3
Ship Name: HMS Porpoise
Nationality: British
Ship Type: 10-Gun Sloop
Tonnage: 308 Tons
Year Wrecked: 1803
Location Wrecked: Wreck Reefs in the Coral Sea
Lives Lost: None
Sources:
https://flinders.rmg.co.uk/displayResourced4e2.html?ID=1000&ResourceType=Essay
https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22588786
