A Graphic Tale of Shipwreck – Rediscovering South Australian
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Dive into the 1837 wreck of the whaling ship South Australian.
Maritime archaeologists have partnered with virtual design experts in Germany to re-create the shipwreck as a stunning graphic novel and an immersive diving experience. These powerful depictions, plus actual artefacts from the shipwreck site, allow visitors to explore South Australian and reveal the historical and archaeological detective work that uncovered its story.
Have a sneak peek at the artwork by Professor Holger Deuter (University of Applied Sciences, Kaiserlautern, Germany) that brings to life the terrifying tale of South Australian’s loss.
Professor Holger Deuter
Professor Holger Deuter
Professor Holger Deuter
Professor Holger Deuter
Professor Holger Deuter
Discover the story of the ship and the research that led to the development of the graphic novel
The archaeological investigation
Hear more from the museum team about the archaeological investigation of South Australian.
Read about it in our Signals Magazine
Bound for South Australian: South Australia's oldest known shipwreck. Signals Magazine Issue 130, March 1, 2020.
Catching up on lost time: Further fieldwork on the barque South Australian. Signals Magazine Issue 142, March 1, 2023.
Read the Journal Article
Unearthing South Australia’s Oldest Known Shipwreck: The Bark South Australian (1837). Historical Archaeology, Volume 57, pages 95–125, 23 June 2023.
Maritime archaeologist scanning the sea floor
James Hunter ANMM
South Australian’s preserved wooden hull, as it appeared in June 2019
James Hunter ANMM
The museum’s Dr James Hunter works in South Australian’s bow section in June 2019.
Irini Malliaros, Silentworld Foundation.
The museum’s Kieran Hosty (foreground) and Dr James Hunter map South Australian’s midships section in June 2022.
Irini Malliaro, Silentworld Foundation.