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Burmah (ship)

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History
NameBurmah
OperatorWillis, Gann & Co
FateDeclared lost 1860
General characteristics
TypePassenger ship

Burmah was a passenger ship, which disappeared en route from England to New Zealand in 1859 or 1860.

Last voyage

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Burmah was chartered by Willis, Gann & Co. The ship left London for New Zealand on 30 August 1859.[1][2] Burmah was seen by the ship Regina on 17 November, about 14 days sailing distance west of New Zealand, at 48°S 97°E / 48°S 97°E / -48; 97. Regina passed icebergs the day after it passed Burmah.[3] Burmah never arrived at New Zealand and was officially declared lost by Lloyds on 6 May 1860.[4]

Burmah was carrying passengers and an assortment of breeding livestock.

The novelist Samuel Butler was booked to travel on Burmah to New Zealand, but he changed to a different ship, Roman Emperor, at the last moment, and therefore avoided the loss of Burmah.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Otago Witness, 10 October 1859 p.4
  2. ^ "Gravesend". Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser. 30 August 1859. p. 5.
  3. ^ Otago Witness, 11 February 1860 p.5
  4. ^ Otago Witness, 4 August 1860
  5. ^ Lyttelton Times, 28 January 1860