The Chaudiere was built in Sunderland in the north east of England in 1863, it was built to 41 metres with a beam of 8.9 metres. 20 years into its career (1883) it was owned by Maurice Coleman Davies in Western Australia and was employed to carry timber from the south west forrestry to the ports of the east coast of the Australian continent. On the 4th of July 1883 the Chaudiere had spent almost 2 months anchored in Hamelin Bay and was loaded with timbers, awaiting the arrival of the captain who was ashore sourcing parts for the repair of the ship's pumps. On the night of the 3rd, the wind shifted north and increased in strength causing the Chaudiere to drag its anchors in the direction of the shore. The next morning the Captain was aboard the vessel and more cable had been layed out however, the vessel still went hard aground just off the beach in 5 metres of water and was soon lost as the wind grew in strength and the order was given for the crew to abandoned the vessel.