A Narrative of the Melancholy Wreck of the "Dunbar," Merchant Ship, on the South Head of Port Jackson, August 20th, 1875

The account opens with a solemn poem and the voice of James Johnson, survivor of the ill‑fated Dunbar, whose ship struck the cliffs of South Head just miles from Sydney’s harbor in August 1857. Through Johnson’s breathless testimony the listener hears the panic of a storm‑tossed night, the frantic attempts to launch lifeboats, and the crushing silence that followed when the sea claimed all but one. The narrative weaves contemporary newspaper reports and the author’s reflections, giving a clear picture of the public’s shock and the flood of rumors that swirled through the colony.

The book is enriched by a series of detailed engravings—views of the jagged cliffs at The Gap, a sketch of the wreck’s hull in Middle Harbour, and a map that helps listeners picture the geography of the disaster. These illustrations, created by noted artists of the era, bring the scene to life and underscore the harsh reality of 19‑century maritime travel. Listeners are invited to share in quiet mourning of a community grappling with loss, while gaining insight into early challenges of a growing Australian port.