The Royal Australian Naval Depot at Crib Point operated a small tender originally called the KOORONGA and later renamed H.M.A.S. CERBERUS. It foundered in Western Port in an incident during World War II but fortunately with no loss of life, and was soon after salvaged.The Royal Australian Navy sold the HMAS Cerberus to private interests in 1949 who converted it to a schooner rigged fishing vessel.
Apollo Bay fisherman Jim Anderson bought the vessel to replace his recently lost Black Witch l, and renamed it Black Witch ll. In almost exactly the same circumstances as the loss of the Black Witch l four years previously however, in 1958 the Black Witch ll dragged her anchors into the surf in an easterly gale at Apollo Bay - the three crew aboard at the time were lucky to escape with their lives.
Both entrances of the Apollo Bay Harbour were badly silted forcing the Black Witch ll to anchor about a quater mile offshore. Mr Anderson, the owner, knew he was taking a risk but he wanted to see his father who was in hospital.
In the intervening time on the night of Thursday 14th August 1958 the Black Witch ll was caught in a strong easterly gale accompanied by heavy seas that threatened the safety of the vessel and crew. The anchors dragged, but conditions prevented the men raising them and soon the vessel grounded opposite the current position of the Surf Life-Saving Club and she was mercilessly pounded by heavy seas.
Huge seas battered the Black Witch ll for several days forcing her closer inshore and filling her with sand. Immediately the seas abated an inspection was made, but following a number of attempts to move the vessel, Mr Anderson salvaged all he could before finally blowing up the hulk.
It is believed the wreck is buried in sand on the Apollo Bay main beach, that has built up significantly since 1956 when the harbour breakwall was constructed. Today the harbour entrance requires constant dredging to keep it clear of sand transported around Point Bunbury by northwards littoral drift.
Black Witch ll and along with its predecessor Black Witch l, both vessels are the only known wrecks that are evidence of commercial fishing operations along the Otway coast.
To find one of Black Witch ll anchors (GZ) you must gather the answers from the image below for the Southerlies.
A: What shipwreck did this anchor come from +1
B : What year was it shipwrecked
C: Where was it wrecked +1
D: What was it restored for + 1
E : What year was the anchor placed there - 4
Now using your answers to a=1 b=2 c=3 etc substitution, add or minus until you reach a single digit.
S 38 AB.CDE.
At Waypoint 1 there is another anchor with a plaque bearing information that you need for the easterlies.
K: What ship did this anchor come from -5
L: What shire was the anchor presented to -3
M:What year was she sank +1
N: How many lives were lost -3
O:The surname of the Secretary of the Apollo Bay and District Historical Society +7
Now using your answers to a=1 b=2 c=3 etc substitution, add or minus until you reach a single digit.
E 143 KL.MNO.
Now you have the information you need for GZ.
S 38 AB.CDE E 143 KL.MNO.
Black Witch ll washed ashore after dragging her anchors in the surf during an easterly gale.