The remains of the icebox that saved Jack Drinan’s life
Nationality: Australian
Vessel type: Prawn Trawler
Date lost: 25th April 1963
Cause of loss: Collision with Zuytdorp Cliffs
Number of Casualties: 3
Discovery date: South of Steep Point, Shark Bay
Location/water depth: 8 metres
Prawn trawler the Nor 6 was on her maiden voyage to Carnarvon, skippered by Jack Drinan with three crew. At 5.20am on the 25th April 1963, the Skipper who was asleep on the Wheelhouse bunk while crew member Ron Poole, was at the helm, woke as the boat hit the cliffs.
As Jack struggled to get clear from the propellers and the cliffs he caught sight of the boats icebox. This very icebox would serve as his life boat for the next 10 days.
Living on the contents of the icebox and at the mercy of the currents Jack drifted out to sea. Jack survived on the provisions in the esky. As Jack drifted in and out to sea, he had to make a desperate decision. Using a makeshift raft he paddled for land. Presumed dead, Jack was reunited with his family 14 days after his boat sank.
Final Farewell
Carved into the Icebox that eventually made it back to shore:
This brine tank supported J Drinan as a life raft for 10 days following the wreck of the Vessel Nor 6….at 4pm on the tenth day I set out for shore on a raft made from the lid. May God have mercy on my soul.
URLs
https://archive.sro.wa.gov.au/index.php/inquiry-into-loss-of-f-b-no...
A Memorial erected at the site above where the Nor 6 crashed into the cliffs
Objects of interest (artefacts, images or other collection items) associated with the shipwreck story.
AMMC Member Institution
Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitor Centre
submitted by Deb Court
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