More than 20 people gathered at the Southern Cemetery on Saturday for the dedication of a memorial stone for eight Paine family ancestors who had a rough arrival into New Zealand.
As Jack Paine explained, the ship struck rocks in the Catlins area on New Year’s Eve in 1873 and this led to it being grounded.
"When the ship hit a reef ... the captain and officers were in the bar and it was alleged they were drunk", he said.
There was no loss of life and among about 270 passengers were Henry and Mary Ann Paine and their six children.
Commemorations this year for the sinking of Surat stirred curiosity in Paine descendants and, after they saw a grave in poor condition, they decided an upgrade was required.
"The Paine family of 10 lived many years and some were buried in this plot", Mr Paine said in a speech at the cemetery.
The immigrant ship Surat set sail from England for New Zealand in late September 1873.
It was headed for Port Chalmers, but struck a reef at Chaslands Mistake at night.
Encyclopedia Te Ara recounted what happened early the next morning.
"When the coastal steamer Wanganui came into view the intoxicated captain drew his revolver, hauled down the distress signal and threatened to shoot anyone who signalled for help."
Captain Edmond Johnson anchored the ship in Jacks Bay, about 100 passengers got off there.
It then had to be beached near the Catlins River mouth.
The ship and cargo were bought by local businessmen Walter Guthrie and William Larnach and this included passengers’ luggage.
It was later reported in the Otago Daily Times luggage was returned, but it was ruined by salt water.
