The Site:
The site is dominated by two large mounds of bagged lime. At either end of the wreck site are the remains of cant-timbers. Surrounding the lime, along the starboard side is fragmentary remains of hull structure, ceiling planking supported by futtocks, and various unidentifiable iron concretions.
The lime, long converted to calcium carbonate, is readily identifiable, as it is white and powdery and extremely fragile to the touch. Along the starboard side, forward of the inner hull ceiling planking are the fragile remains of a hessian lime bag. Indications are that parts of the site, especially the ceiling planking, and areas of lime, have only recently been exposed.
A blue stone ballast mound is located in the stern area between the stern
post and stern lime bag mound.The remains of a wooden rudder is also visible at the stern.
Historical and Archaeological Significance:
The Eivion is of historical significance as she is an Australian built Port Phillip Bay limetrader, one of only two limetraders wrecked in Port Phillip Bay.
Of particular archaeological interest is the potential to determine the method in which bagged lime was stored on board. Comparison of the storage method on the Eivion with other limetraders, primarily the Joanna, a fore aft schooner, totally wrecked on the West Bank, July 9th 1857 could give an insight to any standard practices.
Understanding ship construction with regard to the lime trade has remained a neglected area of study in Victoria.
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