Author, Steve Brew’s family has a long maritime history, but his published works have had a genealogical bent, according to the cover of the book. The family connection, and the real inspiration for the book, comes through in the Preface when Steve reveals that his great, grand uncle, Captain Thomas Carson, was Pilot of the Tahiti in the collision.

Greycliffe – Stolen Lives appears at first blush to be one for the aficionado. The author makes no bones about his almost academic purpose in getting the facts straight about the accident, a purpose that might have failed the several inquiries at the time. Steve Brew also concerns himself with the effects on individuals and communities who suffered loss.

In spite of the disaster having occurred on 3 November 1927, there appears to be a wealth of information and sources for Brew’s research. The newspapers of the day covered the accident and subsequent events at length. Similarly, the transcripts and findings of three inquiries – a Court of Marine Enquiry, a Coronial Inquest and the Admiralty Court – are still available and the author does a good job of analysing them. The findings of the three inquiries differ, apportioning blame for the accident in different ways, drawing conclusions but still not completely answering the critical question of what went wrong.

The text is supported by photographic images of Sydney Harbour, the Greycliffe and the Tahiti as they moved about the Harbour before their collision. Afloat contributor, Graeme Andrews provided some of them.