SS Maheno

StateLibQld 1 256139 Maheno, the steamship whose hull now lies rusting on the beach at Fraser Island, ca. 1905

SS Maheno was an ocean liner that was built in 1905 by the William Denny and Brothers shipyard in Dumbarton, Scotland. Originally operated by the Union Company of New Zealand, she served as a luxury liner between New Zealand and Australia until being commissioned as a hospital ship in World War I. Following her military service, she returned to commercial operation before being decommissioned in 1935. The SS Maheno is perhaps best known for her dramatic wreck on Fraser Island, Australia, in 1935, where her remains still lie.

History

The SS Maheno was launched on 19 June 1905, and at the time of her construction, she was one of the first turbine-driven steamers, marking a significant advancement in maritime technology. Her name, Maheno, means "island" in Maori, reflecting her New Zealand heritage. She was a state-of-the-art vessel, boasting luxurious accommodations for passengers traveling between New Zealand and Australia.

World War I Service

With the outbreak of World War I, the SS Maheno was converted into a hospital ship in 1915. She was painted white with large red crosses, to designate her as a non-combatant vessel under the Geneva Convention. The Maheno served in the Mediterranean Sea, the English Channel, and off the coast of Gallipoli, providing critical medical services to the wounded of the Allied forces. She carried medical staff, including doctors and nurses, and was equipped with operating rooms and wards to care for the injured.

Post-War and Decommission

After the war, the SS Maheno returned to her role as a luxury liner. However, the economic downturns and the advent of newer, more modern ships led to a decline in her use. By 1935, she was deemed surplus to requirements and was sold to a Japanese ship-breaking company for scrap.

Wreck

On her final voyage, while being towed to Japan for scrapping, the SS Maheno encountered a severe cyclone off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The towline broke, and the ship drifted helplessly before running aground on Fraser Island on 9 July 1935. Attempts to refloat her were unsuccessful, and she was eventually abandoned. Over the years, the SS Maheno has become a significant tourist attraction on Fraser Island, with her rusting hull slowly being consumed by the elements.

Legacy

The wreck of the SS Maheno serves as a poignant reminder of the early 20th-century maritime history and the transition from steam to turbine-powered vessels. It also highlights the vessel's dual roles in both luxury travel and wartime service. Today, the site is protected, and visitors to Fraser Island can view the haunting remains of the once-grand liner, which has become an iconic landmark.