The SS Xantho was a steam-powered wooden ship built in 1848 in Scotland. It was initially used for trading in the Indian Ocean before being converted to a coal-carrying vessel in Australia. The ship made history as one of the first iron-hulled steamships in Australia and played a significant role in the maritime industry during the mid-19th century. In 1872, the Xantho was lost off the coast of Western Australia due to a boiler explosion, resulting in the death of several crew members. The wreck of the ship was discovered in 1978, and subsequent archaeological expeditions have provided valuable insights into the technology and construction of 19th-century steamships. The preservation of artifacts from the SS Xantho has contributed to our understanding of maritime history and the development of steam-powered vessels during that era. The Xantho's story serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by sailors and engineers in the age of steam-powered ships, highlighting the importance of technological advancements and safety measures in the maritime industry.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.