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

Ship History: A steel screw steamer of 2403 gross tons, built by William Doxford & Sons of Sunderland, Great Britain in 1890. Dimensions: 290.0 x 40.0 x 19.6ft

Operating as a collier in the trade between NSW and Albany (WA), the loss of the SS Federal is one of the great mysteries of Bass Strait. The vessel was sighted by the Gabo Island lighthouse keeper close inshore and was seen heading west. She sailed on into oblivion. Her failure to pass the Point Hicks lighthouse and the subsequent locating of flotsam seemed at the time, to indicate her loss.

How could this well-found steamer disappear without a trace between Gabo Island and Point Hicks?

This is one of the great mysteries of Bass Strait that SOE would like to find the answer to.

Project Status: Research continues. One on-water search has been conducted and more are planned.

Further Information Required: Any information on the SS Federal, its loss, or any information on the crew and officers would be most welcome.