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western Australian coastline to the eastern colonies were left blind until reaching Cape Borda Lighthouse on the north-western coast of Kangaroo Island. However, the light from Cape Borda was often obscured from the view of ships traversing waters close to the island if carried in strong currents too far south.[xiv] The consequence of this was reflected in the loss of both ships and life.

By the end of the 19th century, a number of vessels had been lost in the waters by the island. In 1877, the Emily Smith was wrecked in the vicinity with a loss of life, and the Mars was wrecked in 1885 with eight lives lost.[xv] However the largest disaster occurred on 24 April 1899, when the Loch Sloy was wrecked on breakers by the island. 31 lives were lost, with four men managing to swim to shore. Three of the men were able to make it to nearby civilisations, however one man perished.[xvi]

Public outrage ensued following the wrecking, and the government was criticised for a lack of consideration for sailors traversing a dangerous coast. In the months following the loss of the Loch Sloy, the Marine Board consulted with mariners, presenting to them two possible positions for a light: South Neptune Island and Cape du Couedic. Of the two, South Neptune Island was favoured by the mariners as it was determined that a light on this position would assist vessels carried by an easterly current to a position where the Cape Borda light was obscured by cliffs.[xvii] However, Captain P. Weir of Adelaide argued the following:

    'The south side of Kangaroo Island is, however, exceedingly dangerous by reason of the rocky coast and the reefs which abound, and is without a single lighthouse to warn mariners of their danger….Had this lighthouse [Cape du Couedic] been in existence the Loch Sloy would probably have been afloat to-day, and many lives would have been spared.'[xviii]

No immediate action was taken following these discussions, and in 1905, the Loch Vennachar was wrecked between Cape Borda and Cape du Couedic. Twenty-six lives were lost, and the government faced increasing pressure for a lighthouse to be constructed.[xix] Finally, Cape du Couedic was chosen as the site.

  3.5 Building a lighthouse
Design
The original designs of the proposed Cape du Couedic Lighthouse were created by Mr J.B. Labatt, Assistant Engineer of Harbours, and included a sandstone tower with concrete balcony and staircase.[xx] The ground floor design also depicted two front doors, an inner and outer door. The purpose of this design was to ensure winds from the lighthouse would not impact the two sector lights located on the ground floor. Only one set of doors were permitted open at any