HM Flinders was a sailing ship purchased in Sydney in 1865 by the South Australian Colonial Government and assigned to the Harbors Board, and completely refitted She was used for *survey work *taking up heavy moorings such as those at Port MacDonnell and Port Elliot. *checking and servicing lighthouses etc. *transporting staff, supplies and horses to and from Port Darwin *ceremonial duties She sprang a leak and sank while moored at Port McDonnell on 29 June 1873 and soon broke up. Only the chronometer and the lives of all aboard were saved.

Commanders

*June 1865 Daniel Murdoch Graham (previously captain of Government tender Blanche) *December 1865 John Melville (c. 1823 – 14 March 1895) (previously Licensed Pilot, later harbormaster at Port Augusta) *from early 1867 Colin McLachlan (1843 – 15 February 1920) served as chief officer, appointed commander January 1869

References

History of South Australia Schooners of Australia 1865 ships {{ship-stub