The Port Hedland Historical Society is organising a tribute weekend for the loss of the ship known as the SS Koombana that went down on 20 March 1912. The tribute weekend will be on 17 and 18 March 2012 in Port Hedland.

The 3668 tone steamship went down 100 years ago with an estimated 138 passengers and 20 crew.  It is believed there were no survivors.  Only two lifeboats and a cabin door were recovered.  The steamship was on a trip from Port Hedland to Broome.

Some of the descendants of those lost are planning to make the trip to Port Hedland for the centenary anniversary weekend.  There will be activities including a Captain’s Table dinner offering a three course dinner and the chance to hear from two of the Koombana’s chief researchers Annie Boyd and Kerry Thom. 

Entertainment will include music from a scratch band and toasting the lost souls of the Koombana.

All members of the community are invited to attend. (Ref NWT 8 Feb 2012, p. 10)

For more information contact Julie Hunt, Vice President of Port Hedland Historical Society, on 9173 2739.