Scuba Diving The S.S. Yongala Ship Wreck

If you are looking for something different to do with your holidays, then scuba diving the S. S. Yongala ship wreck may be memorable experience. The S. S. Yongala which sank whilst in a cyclone in 1911 off the Queensland coast, came to rest toward the central area of this location, which is now the marine park of the Great Barrier Reef.

Its resting place is around ninety kilometres, or forty eight nautical miles in a south east direction from Townsville. And approximately twenty kilometres, or around twelve nautical miles in an easterly direction from Cape Bowling Green. It was found in 1958 by two skindivers from Townsville, who were able to identify it by bringing the ships safe to the surface, which was made by Chubb. They had the serial number sent to the manufacturers in London for identification. It was subsequently advised that this was the safe which was supplied to the S. S. Yongala when under construction during 1903.

During 1943 a minesweeper snagged on what they suspected was shoal, and this was noted on the charts. After World War II had ended, and around 1947, a survey ship known as the HMAS Lachlan using echo sounders and anti submarine equipment, found the so called shoal and took readings. They subsequently found that it was around ninety metres long and the water depths were different. They then assumed it may have been this ship as no other had been missing in that area. It was again forgotten about until being found by the two skindivers.

There were no survivors despite the fact that the captain was a seasoned veteran who had no mishaps in the fourteen years of commanding ships. This was the ninety ninth voyage of the SS Yongala in Australian waters. The last sighting was by the lighthouse keeper who was stationed at Dent Island which is in the Whitsunday Passage. He had watched the ship going north towards the cyclone. At that time there was no radio contact on most of the ships and this was the last time it was ever seen.

The remains of the ship are marked by a buoy and have now become a tourist attraction, where people can dive and are able to observe the amazing amount of marine life which has taken up residence in this famous old wreck. For those who do the dive, there are a wonderful array of fish to be seen. These can include Golden Trevally, Masked Banner fish, Bait fish, Chevron Barracuda and the Fusillades with their colourful tails. There is also the giant Queensland Gropers, Cobias or the Maori Napoleon Wrasse. You may catch the resident Bull Shark on an outing, or the resident Green turtle doing his rounds, or perhaps the Giant Moray eel will show its face in amongst the coral cod.

This is an experience to be had, and for those who need more information log onto the internet and check the websites relating to the wreck of the SS Yongala.