Cape Jaffa Maria Shipwreck

Back in 1840, the 136 ton brig Maria left Port Adelaide bound for Hobart with 25 passengers and crew, only to be shipwrecked near Cape Jaffa during inclement weather.

It is believed that the passengers then set out for Encounter Bay along the sands of the Coorong, SA; however they were killed by a native group.

The passengers of the Maria carried around 4,000 sovereigns, and early searchers followed a trail of golden coins to the scenes of the tragedies.

Over the years people found coins scattered in remote parts of the Coorong. In 1945, 2 fishermen found an 1836 sovereign in the gut of a Butter Fish, sparking renewed interest in the tale of the Maria.

Considered as one of the most notorious shipwrecks to have ever occurred in South Australia, it remains as an intriguing tale of mystery and treasure after more than 100 years. Today, Cape Jaffa is known for its fishing and wineries.