The AMMC has received 67 shipwreck stories from across the nation as part of the project and a Kiama tale is in the running. 

The best 11 stories will tour Australia in a major exhibition from 2018 – 2020.

THE STORY: ‘Escapologist magically raises ship’

William Kelly, Kiama escapologist and father of three-time Oscar winner Orry Kelly, was renowned for the Monte Cristo trick. Padlocked and chained, he would be tied in a sack and tossed into Kiama Harbour. He invariably escaped. 

Late on Dec 5, 1888, Government Pilot Steamer, the Ajax, was towing the dredge Pluto to Nowra when it began taking water off Kiama.

Captain James Hutton ordered the ship made ready. The crew abandoned ship, leaving Captain Hutton and two others on board.

At 2am, Kiama Pilot William Fraser rowed out to the vessel. It eventually sank in six metres of water in Kiama Harbour. 

There were no casualties.

In daylight, William Kelly swam out. Once on board he dived over the side and found a broken porthole. He resurfaced, took a canvas sheet and stuffed it in the hole. 

After several hours of pumping, the ship rose to the cheers of onlookers. 

For his efforts, William Kelly was awarded a silver pocket watch that can be seen in the Kiama Pilot’s Cottage Museum.

To cast your vote or read the stories click here.