Historic Clan Ranald Shipwreck Graves

Step back in time and uncover one of South Australia's most poignant maritime stories – the wreck of the SS Clan Ranald. You can explore the full history at the Edithburgh Museum, then visit the graves of those who lost their lives, paying tribute to a tragedy that left a lasting mark on this small coastal community.

In January 1909, the turret deck steamship Clan Ranald, heavily laden with wheat and flour from Port Adelaide and bound for South Africa, was wrecked off Troubridge Hill. Shifting cargo and rough seas caused the ship to capsize, taking 40 lives.

Of these, 36 bodies were recovered – five officers and 31 'Lascar' sailors from India and the Philippines. Despite the challenges of the time, the people of Edithburgh showed great compassion, ensuring every sailor was given a respectful burial in the town cemetery.

Today, the Edithburgh Cemetery remains a place of reflection and remembrance. It is open at all hours, allowing visitors to quietly wander among the headstones, reading the names and imagining the lives behind them.

This is more than a shipwreck story – it's a reminder of bravery, loss, and the enduring kindness of a close-knit community.