The Saddle Rocks are a group of low saddle-like rocks lying in Stephens Passage.
Flat Rocks, previously known as Tower Rocks or Steeple Rocks, are often confused with nearby Saddle Rocks. These rocks lie south of Saddle Rocks.1
In January 1912, the steamer, Jane Douglas was wrecked upon Saddle Rocks in the early hours of the morning. The crew were all saved but the ship sank in five minutes.
During the resulting court enquiry, the captain of the ship, Captain Charles Vendore, stated he believed the names of the two clusters of rocks, Saddle Rocks and Steeple Rocks, had been transposed on the charts, and that this confusion may have added to the sinking of his vessel.2
1. “Flat Rocks”, New Zealand Gazetteer, (Land Information New Zealand, 2018), accessed, July 3, 2018, https://gazetteer.linz.govt.nz/place/1525 .
2. “The Jane Douglas”, Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 23, Issue 4, 16 January 1912, Papers Past, accessed July 17, 2018, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/PGAMA19120116.2.39 .
