Project Objective: To locate, positively identify and report on the Carlisle.

Ship History: The Carlisle was a barque of 1121 tons built in 1864. Lbd 202.4 x 33.8 x 21.8 ft.

The Carlisle arrived in Melbourne with a crew of 22 from Hull on 8 July 1890 and after discharging her inward cargo, left for Newcastle in ballast.

She is believed to have struck Crocodile Rock in eastern Bass Strait, bumped heavily for a few minutes, healed over and sank in deep water.

The crew got way in two boats without provisions. The Captain, mate, third mate and ten crew stood by until the ship disappeared, then set out for Port Albert but without a compass carried past the entrance and finally landed at Woodside on 8 August. The other boat with the second mate and eight crew landed on Cliffy Island and were eventually picked up and taken onto Melbourne by the Government Steamer Lady Loch after being given up as lost.

There are some conflicting times, dates and accounts discovered in our research to date.

Project Status: Research continues. On-water search is planned for later in the year depending upon research outcomes.

Further Information Required: Any information on the Carlisle, it's loss, any information on the crew and officers, ships' drawings and photographs.