George Roper (ship)

The Four-masted Barque 'George Roper' by Joseph Witham
History
England
Name	George Roper
Owner	W. T. Dickson and Son
Route	England to Australia
Builder	W. H. Potter and Son
Maiden voyage	10 February 1883, Liverpool
Fate	Broke up and sunk at Point Lonsdale on 26 August 1883
General characteristics
Type	Iron barque
Tonnage	2,104 GRT 2,033 NRT
Length	301.7 ft (92.0 m)
Beam	39.1 ft (11.9 m)
Depth	23.6 ft (7.2 m)
Sail plan	Four-masted

George Roper was a four-masted iron barque that was built for service between England and Australia, launching from Liverpool on 10 February 1883. On its maiden voyage, it carried 3,842 tons of cargo, including railway track for the Victorian government, liquor, chemicals, drapery, and dynamite. It reached Australia on 4 July 1883, but got caught on the reef at Point Lonsdale while being towed into Port Melbourne. The ship sat there for nearly two months before breaking up and sinking on 26 August. The wreck remains under 4–5 metres of water and is accessible to recreational divers.