A radio documentary. What should have been an uneventful trip to salvage a wreck on the Queensland coast became an ordeal for a young merchant seaman, George Browning, when his ship - the 'Caledonia' - was seized by convict pirates at Moreton Bay in 1831. Browning was forced at gunpoint to navigate an otherwise uncertain course through the South Pacific. Delirious with rum, the convicts turned on each other and several were either shot and killed, maimed and thrown overboard or voluntarily jumped to their deaths. Through a combination of luck and tenacity, Browning managed to survive the ordeal - pausing occasionally to play a tune on his beloved violin. The 'Caledonia' was scuttled in deep water off the Samoan island of Savai'i and once ashore, Browning enjoyed the kindness and protection of a friendly chief, Tagaloa. Browning informally married a Fijian princess, conferring chiefly status on his descendants - most of whom now live in Australia. The story is retold in Browning's own words and through the oral tradition of his descendants, some of whom believe they are protected from drowning by the revered shark-god, Dakuwaqa.


In the wake of the 'Caledonia'

The 1836 Letters Patent is one of the most unequivocal statements on Aboriginal land rights ever drafted. But what are the legal implications for Aboriginal people today? You can hear the full program this week on Awaye! Indigenous culture on RN, Saturday 6pm and Tuesday at 9pm.

Daniel Browning