Histories

The Gange reached Port Phillip Heads before 7 pm on the 23rd July, 1887 and went dangerously close to Point Nepean.  The Pilot schooner Mavis, by burning blue lights, showed the way out of trouble but the captain - Captain Frank Ivaneich - obviously under a misapprehension, thought the pilot schooner was going to lead him in.

After trouble with the canvas, the Gange struck  the outer portion of outer Lonsdale Reef and ran aground shortly before midnight, with the stern pointing towards the lighthouse.  The captain, his wife and the crew were taken off by the lifeboat, whose crew received a presentaion for their bravery.

Pilot Board Inquiry exonerated the pilots from any blame but changes were made to pilot procedures at the Heads.

The Gange was making only its second voyage, consigned to Messrs Robert Virgoe and Co. of Melbourne.

The circumstances of loss similar to that of Glaneuse, and there was some comment in the media regarding "foreigh captains"

The ship broke up during a gale on 7th September, 1887 - vessels were warned to watch out for floating wreckage. 

On board -  Captain Frank Ivaneich, his wife Nilla Ivaneich

Crew -  Jno. Ilreglich (chief officer), Ludwig Schudly (cook), Giovanni Gasparini, Constantine Griffis, Martino Matesich, Giovanni Matesich (boatswain), Frank Gioffre, Vassilo Lazovich, Antonia Serwaich, Giovanni Sablich, Augustino Pateno (Pettinau/Pettiona) (my Great Grandfather), Gasparo Giavanich (carpenter) and Wilhelm Loosa (cabin boy)

Story taken from - Heritage Victoria - Shipwrecks