ss lake illawarra

The SS Lake Illawarra was a bulk carrier ship built in 1947, infamous for its tragic collision with the Tasman Bridge in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1975. This disaster caused a section of the bridge to collapse, resulting in significant loss of life and major disruption. The ship itself was a classic example of mid-20th century maritime engineering, primarily used for transporting coal and other bulk goods along the Australian coast. Key specs included a length of approximately 176 metres and a deadweight tonnage near 22,000 tonnes. For those intrigued by maritime mishaps or Australian industrial history, the SS Lake Illawarra remains a grim but fascinating study. Consult official maritime records or local archives for detailed technical and historical data.