Lord Duncan (ship)

The Lord Duncan was a three-masted sailing ship notable for its role in several voyages of exploration and trade during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Details about its precise dimensions, construction materials, and original ownership are fragmented and often vary across historical records, though it is generally accepted to have been a merchant vessel.

The ship is primarily remembered for its association with the explorations of Bass Strait, the body of water separating mainland Australia from Tasmania. In 1797-1798, the Lord Duncan, captained by Matthew Flinders, carried out a survey of the strait. George Bass, for whom Bass Strait is named, was also onboard. This voyage confirmed the existence of the strait and significantly reduced the journey time between Sydney and destinations further west and south. The expedition contributed greatly to improved navigation and trade routes in the region.

After its voyages of exploration, the Lord Duncan likely continued to operate as a merchant vessel, although specific details regarding its later service history are less readily available. Records suggest it was engaged in various trading routes, though the specific commodities and destinations are not consistently documented. Its final fate and date of decommissioning or loss are currently unknown, and subject to ongoing historical research.