The SS Waratah
Also known as “Australia’s Titanic,” this 500-foot steamship disappeared in July of 1909 as it was traveling from Durban, South Africa, to Cape Town, carrying 211 passengers and crew. It was launched less than a year earlier, and the vessel had plenty of opulent accommodations, including lifeboats for its 921 passengers, and could carry 15,000 tons of coal and cargo at a speed of 13 knots.
She also had a watertight compartment, like the Titanic, and was considered unsinkable. Her passengers traveled in comfort and luxury in saloons and cabins with smoking rooms and ladies’ rooms. It even had rooms and areas set aside for children to play.
The final sighting of the SS Waratah happened in July 1909, during a violent storm. Nothing more was heard from the ship again.
