On Sunday 8 September 1912:
The steamer Comboyne, whilst trying to put into Port Kembla Harbor at 3 o'clock in the morning, struck the end of the eastern breakwater, and a big hole was knocked in her side.
The water poured in, and the mate, who was on the bridge, decided to run for the beach.
The captain by this time was on deck, and seeing the vessel fast settling down ordered the crew of 14 into the boats.

They had no sooner entered the boats than the Comboyne sank.
The captain was still on board, and owing to the darkness was unable to make out where the boat was.
He then struck out for the shore, which he reached after having been over half an hour in the water.
The crew landed safely and made their way to the Electrolytic Company's works.

The vessel sank in about 40 ft.
of water.
The stewardess (Miss E. Birkenshaw) was asleep at the time the vessel struck, and was only just able to escape in her night dress.
The escape of all on board is regarded as wonderful, seeing that the vessel sank within a couple of minutes of the time of striking.
Captain Lacey said he could not account for the accident.
Whilst swimming ashore he thought he was done for, but he struggled on and managed to reach land.


About 2 ft.
of the funnel is showing out of the water, and arrangements are to (be made at once for refloating).

On 2 October the Marine Court inquiry found that the accident had been caused by default of the mate, Joseph Daley, in not calling the master earlier.

The vessel was later refloated, subsequently towed to Sydney for repairs and again made seaworthy, and resumed running in the coastal service in late October.
On Sunday 8 September 1912:
The steamer Comboyne, whilst trying to put into Port Kembla Harbor at 3 o'clock in the morning, struck the end of the eastern breakwater, and a big hole was knocked in her side. The water poured in, and the mate, who was on the bridge, decided to run for the beach. The captain by this time was on deck, and seeing the vessel fast settling down ordered the crew of 14 into the boats.
They had no sooner entered the boats than the Comboyne sank. The captain was still on board, and owing to the darkness was unable to make out where the boat was. He then struck out for the shore, which he reached after having been over half an hour in the water. The crew landed safely and made their way to the Electrolytic Company's works.
The vessel sank in about 40 ft. of water. The stewardess (Miss E. Birkenshaw) was asleep at the time the vessel struck, and was only just able to escape in her night dress. The escape of all on board is regarded as wonderful, seeing that the vessel sank within a couple of minutes of the time of striking. Captain Lacey said he could not account for the accident. Whilst swimming ashore he thought he was done for, but he struggled on and managed to reach land.

About 2 ft. of the funnel is showing out of the water, and arrangements are to (be made at once for refloating).
On 2 October the Marine Court inquiry found that the accident had been caused by default of the mate, Joseph Daley, in not calling the master earlier.
The vessel was later refloated, subsequently towed to Sydney for repairs and again made seaworthy, and resumed running in the coastal service in late October.
Comboyne (1911)