The wreck of the SS Ly-ee-Moon in 1886 stands as one of Australia’s most infamous maritime disasters, claiming the lives of 71 people—including Flora MacKillop, the mother of Saint Mary MacKillop who was travelling to Sydney to visit her daughter.

The SS Ly-ee-Moon, operated by the Rocks based Australasian Steam Navigation (ASN) Line, was a sleek passenger and cargo vessel. Built for speed, it was a symbol of progress in 19th-century maritime travel. On May 30, 1886, the ship was sailing to Sydney from Melbourne with 86 passengers and crew aboard.

As the Ly-ee-Moon approached Green Cape on the South Coast of NSW, treacherous seas and a navigational error led to disaster. The ship struck a reef near the Lighthouse, tearing its hull open. Chaos erupted as waves crashed against the broken vessel, and passengers fought to escape the doomed ship.

Of those onboard, only 15 survived. The wreck was swift and brutal, with many passengers unable to reach lifeboats in time.

Flora McKillop’s body was later discovered on the rugged coastline near Eden, a poignant reminder of the personal tragedies that accompanied maritime disasters. The loss was a devastating blow to Mary MacKillop, who drew strength from her mother’s unwavering faith and guidance throughout her life.

It is said that the body was found undamaged and still with the medal of Saint Christopher the patron saint of travellers and this preservation of the corpse was attributed to the prayers of Mary MacKillop who although did not save her mother’s life preserved her earthly vessel.

The final room of the exhibition examines the changes of the 20th Century. It was a time that is both transformative and a time of realisation that The Rocks was more than valuable real estate but was of cultural and historical importance to Australia’s history.