The steamer ran a passenger service from Sydney to the South Coast, under the Illawarra and South Coast Steam Navigation Company.

Built in 1909 in Scotland, the Merimbula measured 64 metres in length and was 9.75 metres at the beam.

When the steamer first began operating, it was fitted out with accommodation for 96 saloon passengers and 10 second class passengers.

However, in 1921 the company removed the second class cabins to make way for the crews’ sleeping quarters.

It was the first steamer to boast deck cabins, a music room and other worldly comforts not before seen on the Far South Coast.

The Merimbula was built especially for the run to the ports of Bermagui, Tathra, Merimbula and Eden.

On its fateful final journey, the SS Merimbula departed Sydney on Monday, March 26, 1928. As it made its way south, the steamer encountered large swell and heavy weather.

As night descended, heavy rain reduced visibility and the Merimbula foundered when it struck a reef at Abrahams Bosom near Currarong at 1am. At the time, the steamer was reportedly three miles inside its course.

Captain T O’Connor immediately instructed the 33 crew members and 13 passengers to put on their life jackets, after which time they all made it safely to shore.

Following an enquiry into the incident, no blame was directed at Captain O’Connor and his certificate was handed back to him.

Although the Merimbula hit the reef at 1am, it took 11 hours for Sergeant Matheson of Nowra Police Station to learn of the disaster from Pilot Evans at the Crookhaven Lighthouse.

Captain O’Connor and one of the crew members had to walk all the way to Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, so news of the accident could be wired through to Sydney. 

The sergeant was asked to provide vehicles to transport those involved to Nowra, where the crew could then be taken back to Sydney.

The passengers, after spending a night at the Prince of Wales Hotel, then made their travel arrangements so they could return home.

Only six days after the Merimbula was wrecked, it was sold at an auction conducted in Melbourne.

Apparently, the auctioneer had some trouble getting the first bid of 100 pounds, but eventually the steamer was knocked down for 300 pounds to Melbourne man Mr AW Clarey, much less than the 60,000 pounds it was once valued at.