Black Witch l
A steel screw steamer built in 1914 the Black Witch l was originally named the Cheopis meaning "Flea" and was used by the Customs Department in Adelaide. Originally a coal burner she was later converted to oil, her silhouette resembling that of a small destroyer.
After a few years she was withdrawn from the service on the grounds that she burned to much coal but many believed it was because she was such a 'wet ship' confirmed when purchased for the passenger run between Second Valley and Kangaroo Island. Many passengers who travelled on her during rough weather complained of being soaked throughout the entire trip.
The Government steamer Lady Loch towed her to Melbourne in October 1932 and she was sold for fishing in 1946 and therefore eventually passing into the hands of Mr J. Anderson of Apollo Bay. Jim Anderson, who loved ships in the fine old tradition of sail converted her to a fishing vessel.
On the night of January 22nd 1954, she was anchored in the partially completed Apollo Bay breakwater when a violent easterly gale struck the port.
At the height of the storm the Black Witch broke adrift and was washed onto the small breakwater where she was battered and finally holed in several places.
When all attempts to salvage her failed, items of value were removed and the hulk gradually sanded over.
Prior to 1950 fisherman were forced to use small craft which could be winched onto the pier during rough weather. With the discovery of unexploited fishing reefs in Bass Straight the Public Works Department commenced the construction of an all weather fishing harbour. Long before the harbour was completed several large craft were using it as their base, although the rock walls gave good shelter from the south east the north east was fully exposed.
The wreck of the Black Witch l was at a time when changes in coastal geography that were occurring as a result of the breakwall harbour construction.
Her bell is in the Adelaide Nautical Museum.
Black Witch l washed up on to the small breakwater.