Das wrack der America-was a documentary about the American Star, wrecked on the beach in the Canary islands. The pictures below
have been taken from a German TV documentary about the American Star (ex-America\West Point\Australis\Italis), and which is now sadly wrecked on the island of Feurteventura
in the Canary Islands. The programme was broadcast on a German satellite tv station on July 2nd
1999 by the
NDR television company.
Thanks to ex-passenger Alan Waller I can now give you a few more details about ordering a copy of the documentary through the tv channels
web-site:
If you want to order a copy, you have to transfer 35,- Euro (within Germany) and 40,- Euro within other European states to:
NDR MEDIA Gmbh
Vereins- und Westbank
BLZ 20030000
Kto 313361.
You should write your name, address and the title of the requested film in the field "issue".
The pictures below have been taken from a German Documentary called: "Das Wreck Der America".
A film by Manfred Preckel.
produced by:
MP-Video-Film-Production.
Translation of the film "Das wrack der America" broadcast in 1999 on German satellite tv.
The first local to be interviewed told how there is many mysteries surrounding
the wreck, for example the tug was found days later passing Morocco
without having informed the Spanish Coast Guard about what had happened.
Still today the salvage company is not interested in giving information
about the loss saying "Everything is clear!". Also interesting was the
fact that the wreck can be reached without a boat at spring tide due
to a sandbank that connects the vessel with the beach, but, due to the
west coast's unpredictable seas going to the wreck is still absolutely
dangerous. The Spanish ministry of defence today owns the wreck because
it is on military ground. In 1996 a Greek businessman planned to demolish
the afterpart of the American Star while he wanted to refloat the forepart.
The "swimming rest" of the vessel was planned to be a swimming museum
travelling the Canary islands. But after weeks of rumours the Greek
disappeared and left some metal huts planned for the demolishing team
at the beach which can still be found today. At the end of the documentary
the condition of the wreck was investigated: more and more parts inside
are weak so it is very dangerous to go on her. The hole in the Starboard
hull is a result of the water's power.

Welcome all visitors to the S.S. Australis Website, which has now been online since 1998!
I will continue to update the site if I receive a new story, or if you have interesting photos taken on the ship during your voyage
on either the southbound, northbound, or on one of the South Pacific cruises. We used to do those trips several times a year
from Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland (New Zealand).
I am deeply moved by the interest and wonderful contributions from the numerous passengers and crew over many years.
You can send an e-mail to me on the link below: 
A HUGE THANK YOU
Warm Regards
Ken
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