John Louis

[john sefton]

John Louis is one of the last of the post-World War II luggers, built in Broome in 1957 by the local pearling company Male & Co for Louis Pacanica. She was one of the last working sail craft built in Australia.

The Australian pearling industry began in the 1860s and by early this century Australia was supplying 75% of the worlds pearl shell. One feature of the industry was its use of Aborigines, southeast Asians and Japanese as divers.

The vessels used for pearling developed into a distinctive Australian type, modified by changes in the industry including diving technology. Originally shallow shell-beds were worked from small open boats. The use of hard-hat diving equipment required larger craft, and longer counter stern became common to provide more deck space for the equipment and crew.

Some of the earlier craft were lug-rigged, but the name 'lugger' remained after gaff rigs became standard. The low, flush decked hulls and gaff rig were developed to provide a steady working platform. Luggers towed their divers over the pearl beds by drifting, often with just the sail on the after mast set.

The industry slumped when plastic replaced many pearl shell products. It recovered after World War II, particularly with the successful developments in culturing pearls. John Louis was used to collect young pearl shells for the cultured pearl industry. She was fitted with a tank with circulating sea water which kept the shells alive on the return voyage.

While John Louis was built with an engine, the rig was still used for manoeuvering on the pearling grounds. Divers used hookah gear, lighter and less cumbersome than the hard-hat suits and more European divers were employed.

To provide more comfortable accommodation luggers like John Louis were built with a raised foredeck. The open wheelhouse, sheltering the radar and depth sounder sets was added some time after the lugger was built.

Principal Particulars
Builder Male & Co, Broome
Launched 1957
Length Overall 15.64 m, Beam 4.39 m, Draft 1.73 m
Displacement 22.79 tonnes
Sail Area 58.3 m2
Propulsion Volvo MD50A diesel, (126 kW)
Construction Carvel planked in jarrah on spotted gum & karri frames.

Various web sites.

Australia SG1336

[aukepalmhof]

She was later sold to Pearls Pty. Ltd., Perth.
05 September 1979 reregistered due to material alternations.

She is now on permanent display in the Australian National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour, Sydney.

Australia 1992 $1.20 scott1252. There is also a prepaid postal card.