A special anniversary of the sinking of the Star of Greece shipwreck will be marked by a dinner and events from 12 to 15 July 2018, with Flinders Associate Professor, shipwreck expert Mark Staniforth, at the helm of the celebrations.

Flinders University Adjunct Associate Professor Mark Staniforth has enjoyed a long and fascinating career in maritime archaeology. Now retired, he continues his involvement in maritime archaeology and has taken a special interest in the Star of Greece shipwreck off the southern Adelaide coast at Port Willunga.

This year marks 130 years since 18 men died when the ship was wrecked in 1888 – an iconic event in South Australia’s history.

Professor Staniforth says the anniversary dinner will feature local wines and produce to raise funds for a bronze plaque commemorating the 18 men who died during the shipwreck.

“The anniversary will also be acknowledged with a wreath laying and plaque dedication ceremony and the opportunity to view rarely seen art and artefacts at the Star of Greece Exhibition at the Aldinga Library,” Professor Staniforth says.

Professor Staniforth became a lecturer in Historical Archaeology at Flinders after completing his PhD in Archaeology at the University. He continued to work at Flinders for another 14 years, where he was responsible for establishing the Maritime Archaeology Program.

Read more about Professor Staniforth’s achievements.